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Books Archive


Paddington Bear: Celebrating 65 years of Britain’s favourite bear
1st December 2023

65 years since ‘A Bear Called Paddington’ first hit the shelves, Paddington Bear has become a national treasure. But why does he mean so much to Brits?

Dystopian hope and the art of feminist retelling: What does Julia hide?
29th November 2023

How about “laugh, love, live in a totalitarian state”? Discussing Julia, the promising new feminist retelling of 1984 by Sandra Newman

Demystifying today’s politics: Must-read books
27th November 2023

What you should be reading to keep informed on today’s political sphere

Doon Mackichan talks acting, feminism and life lessons at Manchester Literature Festival
26th November 2023

From empowerment to activism: here’s everything we should be learning from Doon Mackichan’s appearance at Manchester Literature Festival

Acclaimed author Liu Zhenyun visits Manchester to showcase his latest work
18th November 2023

Chinese author and screenwriter, Liu Zhenyun, discusses his latest work at the Manchester China Institute

What in 451°F: How and why do book bans still exist?
16th November 2023

Book burning is finally outdated, but book banning is still a stable trend. Why is this still the case and what we can do about it?

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the ‘Giant of African Literature,’ discusses normalised abnormalities in Manchester
9th November 2023

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o discusses his life works, decolonisation through literature and normalised abnormalities in his talk at the university of Manchester

Celebrity books: The truth behind ghostwriters
7th November 2023

In the age of celebrity books and memoirs, we discuss the truth behind the use of ghostwriters and why we should learn to accept them.

In conversation with English Lit Soc: “The words are the same on the page, but everyone interacts with it differently”
6th November 2023

This year, the English Literature Society has been under development to give students a brand new committee of dedicated individuals

The complexity of female friendship: Reviewing Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels
2nd November 2023

Ferrante reveals how a complicated and turbulent friendship can withstand anything in her famous Neapolitan novels, exploring fascism, violence and elitism in mid-century Italy

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Review: An afternoon with Kerry Washington in conversation with James Corden
1st November 2023

Kerry Washington came to Manchester as part of her book tour, where she was interviewed by James Corden

We recommend: Our writers tell you their current favourites
31st October 2023

Our writers have come together to present to you their top picks of books you should read this semester. Choose your favourite and snuggle up to read something new this October.

Three thrilling comics to engross yourself in during Halloween
31st October 2023

With Halloween around the corner, here are three thrilling and dark comics to read, featuring the most iconic faces with stories that are sure to tickle your fancy.

Jeanette Winterson at Manchester Literature Festival: Ghosts, AI, and conversations with the dead
30th October 2023

As part of the Manchester Literature Festival, Jeanette Winterson came to HOME cinema at the launch of her new book, Night Side of the River, to talk everything supernatural, ghostly, and technological

Louise Glück: Remembering the profound Nobel Prize poet
26th October 2023

A celebration of the beloved work of the masterly Nobel Prize winner and poet Louise Glück following her recent passing

Jon Fosse: the Nobel Prize for Literature winner 2023
20th October 2023

Find out more about the 2023 winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, the hugely successful Norwegian writer Jon Fosse

The Pumpkin Spice Café: Love or loathe?
18th October 2023

The books for Autumn 2023 have been revealed, and ranked highly among them was The Pumpkin Spice Café. But the question is, has it been overhyped or does it really live up to expectation?

A Gilmore Girls guide to autumn reading
13th October 2023

We’ve used Gilmore Girls’ constant bookish references as inspiration for some autumnal book recommendations. Read on for five cozy Rory book recommendations!

Fall in love again: learn to read and write for yourself
5th October 2023

Finding your own style and book preferences can be hard, especially when there are thousands to dive into. If you’ve lost all passion to read and write, look no further! Here are the ways to fall in love all over again and find pleasure in reading and writing outside of your uni timetable this year.

The greatest band that never existed: Daisy Jones and The Six review
7th July 2023

1970s rock roll never looked so good in Taylor Jenkins-Reid’s sun-soaked dive into LA’s music scene. Full of furious arguments, romantic tension and great music, both the series and the book caters perfectly to fans of 70s music.