It is shocking I’ve never managed to visit Cheltenham Literature Festival despite attending University in the town for 4 years and only living 45 minutes away.

This year, there is a fantastic line up which has an author, talk or book discussion for anyone and everyone! There are so many different age ranges and genres catered for, it’s the perfect day (or days!) to spend with family, friends, or even by yourself if you want to really soak up the atmosphere.

To celebrate the book festival, I was kindly sent a book by one of the attending authors. I chose to have something I wouldn’t normally read and received ‘The Book of Form and Emptiness’ by Ruth Ozeki. I’ve set myself a target to read more books on prize shortlists, so this novel was the perfect fit.

‘When Benny starts to hear voices a year after his musician father dies, from a range of objects in his house, he doesn’t understand what they’re saying but does understand the emotional attachment to them. Then, when his mother develops a hoarding problem, it becomes a chaotic symphony of voices.

Then, after meeting a range of people who help him look at the world in a new and different way, he meets his very own Book which narrates his life and teaches him to listen to what truly matters.‘

This is a book which I suspect is full of emotion and discovery of self; I can’t wait to read it, so look out for it’s own review coming soon!

If you want to find out more about Cheltenham Literature Festival and all the talks and events on offer, go to the Event Website.

If you have been, I’d love to hear all about who you saw and what you took from the event! Share your experience in the comments below.

Emily x

📚 Book gifted