Stuart Murdoch, who has Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), will be in conversation with novelist and poet Kevin MacNeil about his life-affirming book, which he has described as “part memoir part fiction”.
They will also discuss the transcendent possibilities of music, adventure and community for people living with chronic illness.
The festival, now in its fourth year, will feature speakers and authors from all faiths and none, exploring the fascinating relationship between literature and all aspects of belief.
Multiple events will take place at New College from 7 until 9 November, where a popup bookshop will also be providing signed copies by the authors.
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New College Festival
Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 November 2024
The weekend opens with a look into the Judeo-Scottish experience across multiple generations spanning two World Wars in Jenni Daiches’ new novel Somewhere Else. The author and poet will be in conversation with playwright, director and podcaster David Neville, discussing the issue of how to find identity in displacement.
New works
Renowned for his work in Ancient History and Persian studies, historian Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones will speak about his new book The Cleopatras: The Forgotten Queens of Egypt in an event chaired by Helen Bond.
When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women is a new book by Sarah Charlotte Williams. The author will talk about this vital exploration into a pioneering feminist activist's personal, spiritual and political life.
Lecturer and author Bruce Ritchie joins Michael Fuller to look at his new and recent works including the life and scientific work of Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, focusing on his faith.
Reflections
‘Words that Heal and Unite’ is a panel event with speakers from multiple faith traditions coming together to discuss peacebuilding, community and connectedness. It will be chaired by Iain Stewart and includes Ani Rinchen Khandro, Shaykh Amin Buxton and Bishop John Armes.
Writer, broadcaster and public intellectual Ziauddin Sardar will speak about his life and work as a leading British Muslim thinker, cultural critic, and futurist in an event chaired by Shadaab Rahemtulla.
Readers of the work of author, poet and scholar Anthony V. Capildeo are often moved by the depth of feeling conveyed by their prose and poetry. They will join Sara Parvis to analyse their life and work, their inspiration and their creative collaborations.