KESHED: Stu Hennigan in conversation with Thom Cuell

We are delighted to welcome Stu Hennigan back to the shop to discuss his debut novel KESHED; a powerfully told story of escape and belonging, hope and loss. Stu will be in conversation with Dodo Ink's Thom Cuell.

Doors: 6.30pm, Start: 6.45pm

Tickets are £4. Admission is free when purchasing a copy of the book.

About KESHED:

In the derelict shell of what was once his family home, a dying man surveys the wreckage of his former life and drinks himself senseless, haunted by the chain of events that led him there.

Dark, complex and visceral, Keshed is an unflinching character study exploring class, belonging, fatherhood and conflicting ideals of modern masculinity.

At heart it's the story of a relationship struggling to cope with the impossible pressures of raising a child under late-stage capitalism; but it's also a love letter to the working class North, from the grinding poverty of Thatcher's 80's to the present day.

"Stu Hennigan is one of my favourite writers. His voice is unmistakable and always compelling. Keshed, in its presentation of class and fatherhood, displays verve, fearlessness and total commitnent to its characters and their world. It’s brutal and beautiful." - Wendy Erskine, author of The Benefactors

About the author:

Stu Hennigan is a writer, poet and musician from the north of England. His book Ghost Signs (Bluemoose, 2022) was shortlisted for best non-fiction at the Books Are My Bag Awards and Best Political Book By A Non-Parliamentarian at the Parlimentary Book Awards in 2022/3. His short fiction, essays, poetry, criticism and articles have been published widely in print and online. Keshed is his first novel.

“This is one of the mightiest books I have ever read - sometimes I wanted to turn away from it but the vortex created is so powerful you cannot escape - it is fireworks and pinched flesh and it will not leave you quietly.” - Robin Ince

If you cannot make the event but would like a dedicated copy of the book, please email events.manchester@blackwell.co.uk or call us on 0161 274 3331.

Our event format is usually a 45 minute discussion between the author and interviewer, followed by a chance for audience members to ask questions. There will be the opportunity to get your book signed/dedicated after the event. Events are a brilliant opportunity to discover new books, meet authors and likeminded readers and learn something new.

Support your local bookshop and help us keep the Manchester literary scene vibrant and exciting. You can follow us on Eventbrite and social media (@BlackwellsMCR) to keep up to date on upcoming events.