Join us for an evening with Jennie Godfrey, the Sunday Times Number One bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things, as she talks about her writing journey and her highly anticipated second novel, The Barbecue at No.9.
In the summer of 1985, the entire country is poised for the biggest music event in history – Live Aid.
The residents of Delmont Close are preparing for a neighbourhood barbecue to celebrate this historic moment, but someone uninvited is watching them closely, getting ready to make their move. But who are they watching, and why?
The Gordons – Hanna, her high-strung mother Lydia and sweet father Peter – have opened the doors to their home. And when their neighbours flood in, so do all the secrets that have been kept in the close. There is Rita, a new resident from Australia, Steve a young man who is battling his own demons, Aunty Beverley who has come to pass judgment on her relatives.
The Barbecue at No.9 explores family, friendship and love with Jennie Godfrey’s signature wit, warmth and bite.
After the runaway success of her debut novel, we’re delighted to welcome Jennie to Oswestry to celebrate the publication of The Barbecue at No.9 – you’re invited too!
Reviews
From the very first page I was in awe. I LOVED it. Jennie Godfrey has such an incredible gift for characterisation – Marian Keyes
A beautiful story about secrets, lies and community. This is a gorgeous novel that will steal your heart – Graham Norton
Set against the backdrop of Live Aid, and covering everything from Jammy Dodgers to Queen, this is a delicious and irresistibly good-hearted story about ordinary lives and the dark secrets that lie behind the net curtains. What emerges is a plea for facing the things of which we are most afraid, even if it requires the help of a bowl of Twiglets. An utter treat. – Rachel Joyce
Gripping, suspenseful, moving, perfectly constructed – and every bit as good as, if not better than, its stonkingly successful predecessor, The List of Suspicious Things – Sophie Hannah
Brilliantly evocative and deliciously addictive. I couldn’t stop reading until all the characters’ secrets were revealed. – Claire Fuller
About the author
Jennie Godfrey was raised in West Yorkshire in a mill-working family and her debut novel, The List of Suspicious Things, was inspired by her childhood there in the 1970s. In 2020, Jennie gave up her corporate career to build a life around books. She is now a writer and part-time bookseller who lives, and writes, in the Somerset countryside.
Tickets: £12 without book (Admits one, £10 redeemable against a signed copy of The Barbecue at No.9) or £19 (Admits one, includes a signed copy of The Barbecue at No.9)