About this Event
One of the finest poets and writers today, Jackie Kay's long-awaited new collection, May Day, casts an eye over several decades of political activism, from the international solidarity of the Glasgow of Kay's childhood, accompanying her parents' Socialist campaigns, through the feminist, LGBT+ and anti-racist movements of the 80s and 90s, up to the present day when a global pandemic intersects with the urgency of Black Lives Matter.
Kay brings to life a cast of influential figures, delving beneath the surfaces of received narratives: the Jamaican model Fanny Eaton, for example, muse of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in England; Paul Robeson, Angela Davis and the poet Audrey Lorde; and a 'what-if' poem concerning Rabbie Burns and a road-not-taken towards the West Indian slave trade.
Woven through the collection is a suite of lyric poems concerning the recent losses of Kay's parents: poems of grief and profound change that are infused with the light of love and celebration.
Kay will read from her new work and discuss this with Bristol Ideas' director, Andrew kelly.
Jackie Kay was born in Edinburgh. A poet, novelist and writer of short stories, she has enjoyed great acclaim for her work for both adults and children. Her novel, Trumpet, won the Guardian Fiction Prize. She has published three collections of stories with Picador, Why Don't You Stop Talking, Wish I Was Here, and Reality, Reality; two poetry collections, Fiere and Bantam; and her memoir, Red Dust Road. From 2016 to 2021 she was the third modern Makar, National Poet for Scotland. She lives in Manchester and is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Salford.
In association with Lyra.
Thanks to Picador for their help with this event.
Further details: 01179252274
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Waterstones, 11A Union Street, Broadmead, United Kingdom
GBP 5.00 to GBP 8.00