An Evening with Arundhati Roy at RNCM

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

Book now

An Evening with Arundhati Roy

9 June 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

An Evening with Arundhati Roy.
Arundhati Roy. Image courtesy Manchester Literature Festival.
Book now

It’s been 20 years since Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, The God of Small Things, took the literary world by storm and clinched the Booker Prize, and now her long-awaited second novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, is hitting bookshelves near you.

Described by The Independent as “an ancient drama played out against an unmistakably modern backdrop”, The God of Small Things tells the story of twins Rahel and Estha growing up in the politically turbulent state of Kerala in the 1960s. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness tells a story spanning many years and an entire subcontinent through a rich cast of characters.

And although two decades have passed between the two novels, the acclaimed author has been busy: she has published five books of non-fiction, including The End of Imagination, Broken Republic and Capitalism: A Ghost Story. A recipient of the Sydney Peace Prize, she has covered the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the armed Maoist insurrection in central India and the struggle for self-determination in Kashmir. She has been jailed for her views and is even now facing a trial for criminal contempt of court for an essay she wrote about an incarcerated college lecturer.

In this event, part of Manchester Literature Festival’s year-round programme, Arundhati Roy will discuss her career, and read from and sign copies of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.

Where to go near An Evening with Arundhati Roy at RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

What's on: Literature

Jenn Ashworth at Blackwell's Manchester
LiteratureManchester
Jenn Ashworth at Blackwells

Jenn Ashworth is back at Blackwells bookshop for the Manchester launch of her latest work, reading extracts and chatting to Helen Mort about how The Parallel Path came about.

From £4.00
LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.

Free entry
Poet Mike Garry. Photo Paul Wolfgang Webster
LiteratureManchester
Word Central at Central Library

Word Central is a long-standing live literature favourite at Central Library and features open mic performers and a special guest, brought to you by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press.

Free entry
Cover of a book with a canal boat on it saying boater by Jo Bell
LiteratureManchester
Jo Bell at The Portico Library

Poet and now memoirist Jo Bell invites you to join her “for a friendly evening” at The Portico Library when she’ll be talking about her new “smart, funny” memoir Boater.

From £6.00

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.