ARTS & CULTURE
DON’T MISS! Tall tales You can look forward to a slew of exciting author appearances this month, courtesy of Topping & Company in Ely. Simon Armitage kicks off the month at The Hayward Theatre on 4 November, discussing his translation of the medieval debate poem The Owl and the Nightingale. He’s followed by bestselling author Mary Beard, who will offering a fascinating evening of political and historical insight – extrapolated from her latest book Twelve Caesars – at Ely Cathedral on 9 November. Then, on 11 November, comedian Robin Ince presents his latest book, The Importance of Being Interested , at St Peter’s Church, bringing his characteristic optimism. The same venue welcomes Jenny Uglow on 17 November, whose novel Cyril & Sybil charts a dynamic, artistic partnership between the wars. And finally, Sebastian Faulks steps through the church’s doors on 23 November – his latest landmark novel Snow Country blends distinctively flawed, human narratives with the ever- enduring sanctity of hope. Ticket details for all the events mentioned can be found on the Topping
Magpie BY ELIZABETH DAY
There’s currently a real (and very welcome) trend for reassessing past perspectives from our new, slightly more aware and understanding, 2021 viewpoint. In podcast-land, Alissa Bennett and Lena Dunham’s The C-Word (it’s ‘Crazy’, in case you’re wondering) revisits women from the past who were maligned in their day. You’re Wrong About , by journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, involves similar discussions for all sorts of subjects. At first glance, Magpie , the latest novel from writer Elizabeth Day (creator of her own hit podcast How To Fail ), is a classic, pacy domestic thriller about the relationship between pregnant Marisa, her partner Jake and their new lodger Kate – who seems to be attempting to drive a wedge between the soon-to-be-parents. But, just as you’ve settled in for the ride, the world turns upside down and nothing is as you thought. The book also sensitively depicts the heartbreak of infertility, and the all- consuming, fervent passion with which some people pursue parenthood. In the past, Elizabeth Day has written openly about her own journey with IVF and Magpie offers up the topics with a clean, heartfelt and eye-opening honesty that’s rare to encounter, especially within fiction. But it’s not all trauma. Like all great reads, the book is also laugh-out-loud funny in parts, particularly the early scenes with Jake’s overbearing parents. Yet, even these comedic moments carry darker undertones that, all too soon, bubble up to the surface. Expertly handled to the last, Magpie keeps you guessing until the immensely satisfying conclusion, which will leave you cheering on Day’s cast of characters, and questioning the stereotypical stances taken by other books of this genre. If I say any more, I’ll give it all away: pick up a copy or download the audiobook as soon as you’re able to do so.
& Company website. toppingbooks.co.uk
PACKED SCHEDULE Topping & Company offers a wide variety of literary events for local book lovers, with talks from authors like Jenny Uglow (top) and Sebastian Faulks (above)
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021 25
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