Nicholas Royle reads from his new novel An English Guide to Birdwatching — ‘a page-turning story about literary theft, adultery and ambition’.

Set in Seaford,  An English Guide to Birdwatching is the story of recently retired undertakers Silas and Ethel Woodlock who relocate from London to the more peaceful coast only to find their lives troubled by cacophonous herring gulls. Journalist Stephen Osmer writes diatribes on the banking crisis and the deplorable state of English literary culture whilst his beautiful and brilliant girlfriend Lily Lynch embarks upon a public art project about creative intention… and begins an affair. Silas surprises himself by writing a short story, ‘Gulls’, which he loses at the pub. Several months later the story turns up in an anthology of uncanny stories about birds…

This ‘daring novel, both wickedly playful and deeply touching’ (Alison Moore) is ‘a curiously compelling investigation of the nature of writing and the writing of nature’ (Robert Macfarlane).

Come to meet the author and find out more about what will surely be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Tickets are £7 and include a glass of Rathfinny wine or a soft drink. Book your place online or at the Crypt in Seaford.