Meet the author: 5 minutes with Clare Chambers

The headline event, and one of the highlights, of this year’s Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival 2024 will be the appearance of Clare Chamber, celebrated author of the runaway hit SMALL PLEASURES, in conversation with Julia Wakelam, chair and founder of the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival at 7.30pm on Sunday 13th October 2024 at the Unitarian Meeting House Bury St Edmunds.

We took 5 minutes to ask Clare a few questions in advance of her appearance at the festival.

Childhood Heroes

When we asked Clare about her childhood heroes, she gave us a diverse list that included Tintin, Asterix, The Beatles, The Brontës, Simon and Garfunkel, Jane Austen, and Alex "Hurricane" Higgins. These influences give a glimpse into the eclectic mix of creativity and inspiration that shaped her formative years.

Spark of Inspiration

Clare’s love for reading can be traced back to her childhood home, where books were a fundamental part of daily life. Her father, an English teacher, ensured that their home was filled with books. Clare shares, "You could hardly sit down without moving a pile of books out of the way." This environment naturally sparked her interest in writing, which she describes as a “small offshoot” of her love for reading.

New Novel: Shy Creatures

At the festival, Clare will be discussing her latest novel, Shy Creatures, which is set for release on August 29, 2024. The novel is set in a large, progressive psychiatric hospital in Surrey in 1964. It follows Helen, an art therapist, who attempts to rehabilitate a young man who has been isolated for most of his life. As Helen delves into his mysterious past, her own secrets begin to unravel. The book explores themes of conformity, confinement, and liberation during a time of significant social change.

Anticipation for the Festival

Clare is excited about engaging with festival attendees, not only for their interpretations of her novels, which she finds often revelatory but also to discuss their reading habits and gather new book recommendations.

What’s on Clare’s Reading List?

Clare’s "to read" pile is ever-growing, filled with numerous proofs she receives. This year, she highly recommends two books: The New Life by Tom Crewe (fiction) and This House of Grief by Helen Garner (non-fiction).

Join the Conversation

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Clare Chambers at the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival. It promises to be an engaging event filled with insightful discussions about literature and reading.

Book your tickets now at burylitfest.co.uk.