Monday 9th September 2024, 7:30pm at the Thames Side Brewery, Staines.
Born Vesna Bjelogrlić (pronounced Byelogerlitch) in a country that no longer exists, Vesna obtained her BA in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory from the University of Belgrade, and has lived in England since 1986. She has written in English and Serbian and her books have received praise and accolades and been translated into over 20 languages.
Her memoir, Chernobyl Strawberries, written for her son, when she thought that she would not live to see him read it, was BBC book of the week, read by her on BBC Radio 4. Humorous, kind and highly intelligent, as well as being a poet and writer of prose Vesna is also a Professor of Creative Writing at Exeter University and Professor Emeritus of the School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
This event will take us through her life, loves, influences, and works, with humour and some music that has impacted her in a Q&A style with Cherry Godiva, who was a student of hers when she worked at Kingston University. A cosy, intimate evening, with some time for Q&As from the audience and book signings.
Some of her books are available at Waterstones, Staines as well as Amazon and may be available to buy on the night (if there are any left).
We hope to see you there.
Photo credits: Vesna by Liz Seabrook.