Grove Bookshop event moved due to ticket demand

Donal Ryan [Image:Getty/Grove Bookshop]

An author event at The Grove Bookshop has been so popular it has moved to a larger venue, with more tickets now available.

An Evening with Donal Ryan and Molly Aitken will take place at The Wildman Studio at Ilkley Playhouse from 7–8.30pm on Wednesday, 9 September. The authors will discuss their novels Where Are the Kings and Bright I Burn with Grove bookseller and writer Emily Devane.

Donal Ryan’s Where Are the Kings is a poignant coming-of-age story set in rural Ireland, following 12-year-old Jack after the loss of his mother and the breakdown of his family. Ryan is the author of seven novels and a short story collection, and won the Irish Book Award for The Spinning Heart, which was also longlisted for the Booker Prize.

Molly Aitken

Molly Aitken’s Bright I Burn tells the story of Alice Kyteler, Ireland’s first condemned witch, in thirteenth-century Ireland. Aitken’s debut, The Island Child, explored the relationship between an outsider mother and her daughter.

Aitken said she was thrilled to return to Ilkley and described Ryan’s writing as an early influence on her own work.

Books by both authors will be available to buy, with a signing afterwards. The Wildman Studio Theatre will have tiered seating, and the bar will open 30 minutes before the event.

Manager Mike Sansbury said: 'We're delighted to have this rare opportunity of welcoming two such renowned authors for what is sure to be a memorable evening.’

Tickets cost £10 and are available from The Grove Bookshop, Eventbrite or www.grovebookshop.com/events. Space is limited, so early booking is recommended.