Contemporary Fiction in English

Novels or short stories written in English, generally drawn from recent Booker Prize shortlists. When working with short stories, depending on length, a selection of four to six will be considered. Each story will be discussed both individually and comparatively.

Discussions will touch on a range of issues, including the exploration of literary theory and cultural study with an engaging, reader-centred approach. Cultural, artistic, socio-political and historical threads that originate in the shared reading experience are pursued critically and creatively.

Hispanic Fiction in Translation

Novels or short stories originally written in Spanish by contemporary and 20th-Century peninsular or Latin American writers, read in their English translation.

These sessions allow a glimpse into Hispanic cultures, by exploring cultural, historical, socio-political and artistic issues related to both the context depicted within, and that of the production of, a particular work of fiction. Argentine writers, particularly Jorge Luis Borges, are a specialty. Although not a requirement, readers may wish to read texts in the original language (Please indicate choice of text language on registration). Discussions will be held in English (unless you prefer Spanish, in which case, see below).

Hispanic Fiction in Spanish

Novels or short stories written in Spanish by contemporary and 20th-Century peninsular or Latin American writers, read in their original language. Incorporating aspects of cultural and linguistic exploration, these discussions will be carried out entirely in Spanish. An adequate level of fluency in spoken Spanish is required for these sessions.

Drama

See a play currently on show locally and discuss its intricacies, the effectiveness of the adaptation and other issues at the Reading Rooms. These Reading Rooms include the option of attending the show followed by three sessions to discuss it. Either the text of the play or a token towards the show is included in the price: please indicate your preference on registration (If both, an extra charge will apply).