Spinning Stories in BS2

written by Ian Jones

“All the secrets of the world are contained in books,” proclaims the banner, black text on a bright banana backdrop. If that’s the case, the secret’s well and truly out. Tickets have been snapped up, and St Paul’s Learning Centre is packed. A wide semicircle of chairs are all taken. Latecomers are cramming onto tables. A line of hungry punters lingers at the serving hatch of Glen’s kitchen- more rice is on the way…

And the event itself? Bestselling author Caleb Azumah Nelson is talking about his new novel, ‘Small Worlds’. But not just that- he’s in conversation with former Easton resident Moses McKenzie, whose acclaimed debut ‘An Olive Grove in Ends’ has recently appeared in paperback.

It’s all been arranged by Max Minerva’s, a family-owned book business with stores in Henleaze and Portishead. They’re big on community outreach, organising book clubs, fairs and author events, with the Learning Centre looking set to become a regular venue. Events are bookable through Max Minerva’s, but free tickets are also available from the Learning Centre for local residents.

Anyway, in come Caleb and Moses to a big St Paul’s welcome, and the talk begins. Caleb reads an extract from ‘Small Worlds’. Moses pitches his questions. The conversation is wide-ranging and back and forth. What makes you want to write? How does a man write a woman? What is the influence of homeland? Do you write for a Black readership?

Caleb talks about his approach to fiction. His 5:00am writing routine. The way that events can be imagined but the emotions behind them must be real. The need for closeness and connections between people and the shared intimacy that comes from storytelling.

Then it’s over to the audience for a second quizzing, followed by two long snakey queues as we wait to get our books signed. (In case you’re wondering, Moses uses a black biro whilst Caleb opts for a page-filling permanent marker). Finally, we all head off into the balmy night, clutching our new novels, and remembering to check the Max Minerva website (www.maxminervas.co.uk) so we don’t miss the next event. Maybe we’ll see you there!

And in the meantime, here’s three recommendations for your Summer Reads:

An Olive Grove in Ends by Moses McKenzie

A young Black Bristolian is determined to escape his upbringing. Will drugs, violence, faith or love provide the best answer?

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

A novel of fathers and sons, music and dance, set over three summers in London and Ghana.

The Fire Inside by Jacqueline Crooks (speaker at a previous event). Black womanhood, dub reggae, love and loss in ‘80s London and Bristol- this one comes with its own Spotify playlist!