The Rye Bookshop is gearing up for summer with a range of events planned.
The Martello Readers book club has now had its second meeting and the following books are lined up for April and May:
- The Lie Tree – Frances Hardinge – April 4
- The Shepherd’s Life – James Rebanks – April 25
- The Children’s Book – AS Byatt – May 30 (date to be confirmed)
The book club meets at 5:30pm at the High Street shop and everyone is welcome.
On Saturday March 5 the shop will be holding a Narnia-themed activity day to celebrate World Book Day where kids will be helped by local artist Anna Atkinson to create their own magical worlds. It is aimed at 7-11 year olds and will take place between 2pm and 3.30pm. It is a free event but space is very limited so people will need to book by ringing the shop (01797 227442).
On Easter Sunday (March 27) two new crime novels will be launched – Tim Adler’s “Hold Still” and Guy Fraser-Sampson’s “Death in Profile”. The launch is free to attend and will take place from 11am to 12.30pm. Prosecco and nibbles will be provided of course.
Finally (for now) the book shop has confirmed that Helen Simonson will visit on May 21 at 6pm. Helen spent her teenage years in and around Rye and her new novel, ‘The Summer Before The War’, is set here . Her first novel, “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand”, was a huge hit – a New York Times bestseller and a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, translated and sold in twenty-one countries. Helen lives in the US now, but will be in Rye in May to promote her new book and has very kindly agreed to give a talk followed by a signing. Tickets will be £3 redeemable against the cost of the book and again space is limited so early booking is advisable.
Photos: Courtesy Lizzie Lee, Rye Bookshop