Book Launch: The Starving Bride by Catherine Chidgey

Celebrate the launch of Catherine Chidgey’s new novel, The Starving Bride. Chidgey will be in conversation with poet and essayist Kate Camp and will read from the book, followed by a signing. Copies will be available to purchase from Poppies Bookshop. Set in a near-future England, The Starving Bride follows Hazel Whitlock, whose life is falling apart when she signs up to become the Starving Bride - a revived sideshow attraction at Blackpool Tower. Lying silently on display as she gradually starves, with a lion prowling nearby, Hazel soon becomes the focus of a growing public obsession. As the spectacle intensifies and the world around her becomes increasingly unstable, the novel explores our fascination with the female body, spectacle, shame, sacrifice and the desire to be seen. Light refreshments from 6pm, with the event beginning at 6.30pm. Books will be available for signing. Free community event – all welcome. Generously supported by the University of Waikato.