A one-off special event at Newcastle City Library will see a critically-acclaimed North East author in conversation with a Booker Prize nominee.
'Between Fact and Fiction' will see North Tyneside writer Daniel James joined by Scottish author Graeme Macrae Burnet where they will discuss the relationship between fact and fiction in their latest novels - both of which are inspired by real events. James's novel The Unauthorised Biography of Ezra Maas , about a famously reclusive British artist who vanished at the height of his fame, was shortlisted for a national award in 2019.
Macrae Burnet's latest novel, Case Study , has a regional link too. It's based on the life of controversial Darlington -born psychiatrist Collins Braithwaite, and blends biography with diary entries from a patient who believes her sister was driven to suicide.
His second novel, His Bloody Project , about a murder in the Scottish Highlands, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016. It lost out to the prize's first ever American winner, Paul Beatty, for his novel The Sellout, but the nomination saw a huge upturn in sales for the psychological thriller.
Author James said: " I’m really looking forward to talking to Graeme about the parallels and differences between our novels and how we each explore the special relationship between fact and fiction. I was in Glasgow for Graeme’s launch last year and it’s a pleasure to welcome him to Newcastle this May.
"This will be a homecoming event for me and a perfect way to mark the release of my new book."
The new edition of James's novel features original artworks, photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, handwritten notes and illustrations and aims to put the reader in the role of detective. The disappearance of the enigmatic artist at the heart of the story, Ezra Maas, a contemporary of Andy Warhol, is still regarded as one of the art world's biggest mysteries.
Macrae Burnet, who is based in Glasgow, added: "I'm very excited to be returning to Newcastle to discuss my new novel Case Study and try to navigate the debatable lands between fact and fiction with fellow traveller, Daniel James."
Between Fact and Fiction will take place at Newcastle City Library on Sunday May 22 from 4pm - 6pm and will be hosted by Dr Claire Nally, Deputy Head of Humanities at Northumbria University. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at this link.
Have you read the works of either author appearing at the event? Let us know in the comments below!
