Sairish Hussain: Hidden Fires

Join Bradford’s own Sairish Hussain as she returns to the festival for a special event on her latest novel, Hidden Fires, in-conversation with Yousra Samir.Set during Ramadan 2017, the story weaves a poignant narrative between Yusuf, haunted by a nightmarish past, and his granddaughter, Rubi, who confronts the cultural clash of their lives when she moves to London.As Rubi uncovers deeply buried secrets, they both grapple with painful memories that challenge their perceptions and forge a new bond. From the acclaimed author shortlisted for the Costa Prize, HiddenFires is a gripping exploration of grief, loss and the enduring power of family ties against the backdrop of significant historical events.Don’t miss this powerful discussion that delves into the complexities of personal and collective history.

You’ve been published, you’ve made a splash (or a sprinkle) and your first book is out in the world. Now what? Whether you’re grappling with motivation, facing inspiration hurdles, or doubting your next steps, this event is designed to guide emerging authors through the complex post-publication landscape. Join us for an insightful session with Saeida Rouass, acclaimed author of Eighteen Days of Spring in Winter, and Kasim Ali, renowned for his work, Good Intentions. They will share their personal experiences and practical advice on building a sustainable writing career, overcoming common obstacles, and managing author-agent-publisher dynamics effectively. This discussion will equip you with the tools to maintain your creative momentum and navigate the intricacies of the literary world. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from those who have walked the path and transformed challenges into stepping stones for success.

Jared Shurin, award-winning anthologist and editor of The Big Book of Cyberpunk, is joined by two of the book’s contributing writers, Lauren Beukes and EJ Swift. Cyberpunk fiction offers space for imaginative storytelling to discuss and even predict the future. Since the 1980s, the genre has posited questions and scenarios that examine virtual reality, cybernetics and AI, and their effect upon ordinary lives, communities and culture – realities we are now facing today. Join us for a lively discussion about the role speculative fiction can play as we reimagine the world around us and how cyberpunk can help us shape the world of tomorrow.

Join Bee Rowlatt as she discusses her anticipated debut novel, One Woman Crime Wave. In this gripping event, Rowlatt introduces us to 15-year-old Ashleigh, the neighbourhood’s favourite babysitter, but Ashleigh has an appetite for secrets… Drawing inspiration from JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls in this fast-paced, witty and scalpel-sharp debut, Rowlatt examines the limits of what money can buy and how easily the fragile web of middle-class privilege can be torn. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into this cleverly crafted narrative, which blends humour with poignant social commentary and entertains as much as it enlightens.

Join acclaimed novelist, poet and playwright, Inua Ellams, author of The Half-God of Rainfall and hit play, Barber Shop Chronicles, Ashley Thorpe, author of The Boy to Beat the Gods, and Chikodili Emelumadu, author of Dazzling, to celebrate the extraordinary tales of West African mythology. You may be familiar with Greek mythology, but have you encountered the trickster Anansi, the spider, or the Orisha, the pantheon of Gods whose seeds are scattered across the African continent? Whether you’re a curious bystander or an expert in African folklore, our panel will guide you through the mythological wonders of West Africa and the work inspired by them.

Join us for an extraordinary evening with Joanne Harris, the celebrated author of Chocolat, as she unveils her first fantasy novel in six years, The Moonlight Market. Dive into the hidden depths of contemporary London through the eyes of Tom, a photographer who inadvertently falls for Vanessa, a woman ensnared in a perilous double-life in bustling King’s Cross. As Tom’s pursuit leads him into a mystical world concealed within the familiar streets of London, inhabited by peculiar creatures and ancient warring factions, he stumbles upon a clandestine market that emerges solely in moonlight. Here, memories are the currency for charms and spells, and Tom is haunted by the feeling that he has been part of this enigmatic world before.

Delve into the thrilling world of crime fiction as we are joined by acclaimed authors, Vaseem Khan, Alex Gray, Sarah Hussain, and chair, Saeida Rouass. They will discuss their gripping novels, each set in a different corner of the globe. These authors will share their unique perspectives on weaving intricate tales of mystery, suspense, and intrigue, transporting readers to diverse settings and cultures. Explore the dynamic interplay of crime, culture, and location, and gain insights into how international influences shape their storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the minds behind some of the most compelling crime fiction, and uncover the secrets lurking across borders.

The UK general practice has reached crisis point. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has placed a strain on an already crumbling primary care service, leaving both patients and NHS staff struggling. Seventy-six years after the NHS was created, Dr Ellen Welch and Dr Nighat Arif lift the curtain on general practice, both reflecting on the history of the profession and how it’s changed, and looking ahead to what general practice might look like. With accounts from GPs across the country, those on the frontline try to answer the question: how did we get here? Is it better overseas? And what can be done to make things better for us all in the future?

Join with Ustadh Amjad Tarsin from Al-Maqasid in Pennsylvania, US, as he introduces The Kingdom of the Heart. This latest work of Habib Umar has been translated into English from Arabic by Tarsin.Tarsin will discuss the importance of nurturing the spiritual aspect of the heart, highlighting how our outward actions are deeply connected to the state of our hearts and provide valuable insights into how our behaviour influences our inner being. Tarsin, as covered in the book, will offer guidance on internalising the wisdom found in acts of devotion, believed to have a purifying effect on the heart.

Dive into a discussion about class, culture, and art in a conversation that promises to be as enlightening as it will be provocative. Step back into 1857, mill workers from the North of England embarked on an unprecedented journey to Manchester, witnessing the world’s most remarkable display of art. The Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition wasn’t just another gallery showing; it was a monumental event that attracted over 1.3 million people, including royalty like Queen Victoria, cultural icons like Charles Dickens, and figures from all classes. Fast forward to today, where art galleries seem reserved for the upper and middle classes, with fewer than 8% of visitors from working class backgrounds. Why such a shift? What does it mean for our cultural landscape? Join author, David Kennedy, for an engaging talk as he explores these questions and more, drawing on his latest research from the book Art and Class: How the middle classes hijacked the nation’s galleries.