About this Event
Join us for a special evening with poet, novelist, performer and BAFTA award-winning screenwriter, Dean Atta, as we celebrate the publication of Big Man, his powerful and eagerly anticipated first novel for adults.
Known and loved for his acclaimed books for children and young adults, Dean has inspired readers with stories that are heartfelt, courageous and deeply human. Now, with Big Man, he brings his distinctive voice to adult fiction for the very first time.
We are so excited for this opportunity to sit down with Dean and discuss his journey from writing for younger readers to crafting his debut adult novel, exploring the themes, inspirations and experiences that shaped Big Man. You can expect an honest and engaging conversation about storytelling, identity, creativity and what it means to write across generations.
Following the talk, there will be an opportunity to ask your own questions before meeting Dean at book signing.
Whether you've followed Dean's work for years or are just discovering him for the first time, this promises to be an inspiring evening with one of Britain's most influential contemporary writers.
About the book:
Big Man is tender, daring and deeply moving novel. The story follows Big, a middle-aged Black British gay man whose settled life with his partner Little in East London is disrupted when he reconnects with an important figure from his past. As long-buried memories resurface, Big must confront them in order to heal.
Big Man explores themes of identity, queer love, chosen family, trauma and healing and what it means to grow older while carrying the weight of the past. It is both an intimate character study and a powerful celebration of community, resilience and the people who shape our lives. Written with Dean Atta's trademark warmth, lyricism and emotional honesty, Big Man is a powerful story about finding the courage to embrace every part of yourself.
About the author:
Dean Atta is an award-winning writer, poet and screenwriter from London. Celebrated for his powerful storytelling across poetry, fiction and memoir, his work explores identity, belonging, race, sexuality and the transformative power of community.
He is the acclaimed author of bestselling YA novel-in-verse The Black Flamingo, winner of the Stonewall Book Award, alongside Only on the Weekends, I Can't Even Think Straight, the memoir Person Unlimited: An Ode to My Black Queer Body, and several books for younger readers. Dean also co-wrote the BAFTA award-winning short film Two Black Boys in Paradise.
Big Man marks an exciting new chapter in Dean's career as his first novel for adult readers, bringing lyrical, compassionate voice that has captivated young audiences to a bold and unforgettable work of literary fiction.
Event venue & nearby stays
Kensington Central Library, 12 Phillimore Walk, London, United Kingdom
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