The Bookblast 10×10 Tour – Trading Places: Bright City, Dark Secrets

Thursday 18 October • Publishing Waterstones, Bristol • 6.30 p.m.

Chair: Rosemarie Hudson, publisher, HopeRoad Publishing (African & Caribbean literature). HopeRoad promotes inclusive literature with a focus on Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, and vigorously supports neglected voices.

Peter Kalu is the Manchester-based author of three CYA novels: Silent Striker, Being Me and Zombie XI. He has written nine novels in all, including science fiction, crime and comedy. @peterkalu

Book focus: The Silent Striker, (September 2018), “is a book full to the brim with the joy, heartache and passion for the beautiful game. Along the way it deals with racism, disability, bullying, jealousy, young love, family life and friendship. It is written in beautiful clear prose and tells a story that every lover of football and life will instantly understand.” – Melvin Burgess.

Qaisra Shahraz is a British-Pakistani critically acclaimed novelist, scriptwriter and Founder/Director of MACFEST, Muslim Art & Culture Festival.

Book focus: Ranging widely across historical periods and national boundaries, The Concubine and The Slave-Catcher, (2017), Qaisra Shahraz’s new collection of ten short stories is powerful and an essential read. With each unique story, Shahraz captures and enriches us with her wisdom and storytelling magic. @QaisraShahraz