I've had an enjoyable evening at the last of the Redbridge Book and Media Festival events tonight. Our team came second in the quiz (losing out on top spot by one point), we said goodbye to the wonderful Nick Dobson the Festival's main organiser over its 10 year life (who is losing this role as a result of deep cuts in Redbridge's Library services), and we heard from Barbara Nadal, who had previously visited St John's for an International Crime Writer's Panel in an earlier Festival.
Newham-born Nadal spoke about Ashes to Ashes, a novel based around efforts to protect St Paul's Cathedral during the Blitz. As part of her research, she was shown around some of the less familiar part of the Cathedral. "Like Francis," she has said, "I explored the upper galleries (Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery) and also like him I felt my legs go to jelly as I climbed up hundreds and hundreds of stairs in what felt like every tightening spirals."
St Paul's is where Nadal's hero Francis Hancock is sheltering from the onslaught. But the First World War veteran doesn't just have bombs to contend with on this night. A young girl, who was also sheltering in the cathedral, mysteriously goes missing. Then some of those charged with protecting the building are brutally murdered. Francis must face both his own demons and fears in his struggle to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.
Nick Dobson will be much missed in the borough having built the Redbridge Book & Media Festival over 10 years into one able to attract significant authors through a varied selection of genuinely interesting events. Thanks Nick for all you've contributed to the borough. We wish you well as you begin organising such events on a freelance basis.
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Show of Hands - Are We Alright?
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