I can remember exactly where I was when I finished Alice Winn’s debut novel, In Memoriam*.
In fact, I can remember it very clearly as I closed the book, trying to make sure bulging tears didn’t escape my eyes as I sat on the train on my way to the Winchester Books Festival event, featuring the wonderful author herself.
It’s also great to have a local book festival, compared to my previous trip to Harrogate which is a tad far North for me! But that won’t put me off from going again…
Over the previous few days, I’d been devouring this beautiful book about 2 gay lovers in the midst of World War I wherever I could, even reading through the final author notes which I tend to skip in most novels. It turned out the event was an extension of these, recalling her 3 previous novels which were rejected, before having In Memoriam accepted, where she also delved into its research and writing – completing the first draft in just 2 weeks!
I’ve already written my review of this gorgeous novel, but wanted to share my equal adoration for the book with other readers at this event, where she did a 5-minute reading, followed by a discussion with author Claire Fuller (Costa Prize 2021 winner)*, and an audience Q&A. I even managed to get my own copy signed by Winn; what a delight she is! Not just a wonder writer, but a compelling speaker.
I love these types of events, as there are no expectations: just a shared amount of time between people who have all read the same piece of work, yet may experience it so differently.
Upon reflection, it’s easy to see why so many people loved this book: not just for its careful research, love story and beautiful writing, but it was the fastest-selling hardback debut of 2023 in the UK and won the Waterstones Debut Prize for Fiction too. Need I say anything else, apart from if there’s any book you’re going to read, bump this to the top of your list.
Take a look at the other events happening at Winchester Books Festival!
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Lizzie's Week 