Cambridge Wordfest Spring 2012 - A literary afternoon.

I went along to my first ever Cambridge Wordfest last Friday. The festival ran from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th April 2012, but due to other commitments (a friend's wedding and the moving of a greenhouse!) I was only able to attend an event on the Friday. Nevertheless, it was a very worthwhile and rewarding one. I went along to the ADC theatre to hear Margaret Drabble, Helen Dunmore and Sadie Jones read from their most recent works, and talk about aspects of writing. The session was chaired by Festival Director, Cathy Moore, and it is the festival's 10th anniversary this year.

It was very interesting and informative. I must confess that I have read little by Margaret Drabble or Helen Dunmore, and that is something I intend to rectify, starting with The Greatcoat, the latest book by Helen Dunmore which I bought on the day. She was a delightful and impressive speaker and I really warmed to her at this event. It was fascinating hearing about the real background to the greatcoat which she has drawn on for the book. 

I am a big fan of Sadie Jones, having read all three of her novels to date, with her debut novel, The Outcast, being one of my all time favourite reads. So it was marvellous and exciting to have the opportunity to meet her and have my books signed. I must admit to feeling a bit nervous, even though all the authors were very friendly and approachable. My only wish would have been that it could have been longer than one hour. The works which the authors read from are A Day in the Life of a Smiling Woman - Margaret Drabble, The Greatcoat - Helen Dunmore, and The Uninvited Guests - Sadie Jones.

I look forward to attending future festivals such as this one, and others. Did you attend this or any other literary festival recently? Who did you see?

Cambridge Wordfest website.