Comma Press launched a new short story collection, The Book of Manchester, as part of the 2024 Manchester Literature Festival on Saturday. The latest anthology in their ‘Reading the City’ series, The Book of Manchester aims to bring to light the essence of different cities, both in the UK and internationally, through the stories of a diverse range of authors.
The collection features short stories from 12 Manchester authors, including dramatist and screenwriter Shelagh Delaney and former aAh! Magazine Editorial Assistant and PhD student at the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, Brontë Schiltz.
Edited by Comma Press editor David Sue, the anthology features stories of “thrilling quietude” – very much in contrast to Manchester’s reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant cities – and observes Manchester in a much more introspective light amidst the city’s thriving urban landscape.
Kirsty Fairclough, Professor of Screen Studies and Head of Research and Innovation at the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Met hosted the event, which featured a lively Q&A discussing the lost versions of Manchester in their stories, the changing landscape of the city, and how we can go forward to make Manchester a place for everyone.
Tom Benn (The Cat’s Mother), New Writing North award-winner Okechukwu Nzelu (The Headteacher), Manchester Writing School alumni Sophie Parkes (Shock City), and Yusra Warsama (Cloaks), each performed a reading of their work at the event.
The Book of Manchester is available to buy online at Comma Press.
Featured image: WendyWei.pexels With the most anticipated night of the year right around the corner, the big question is looming: where are you going to celebrate it? Whether you dread it or count down the days, are new to the Manchester nightlife scene or are a regular, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve plans sorted….
By Georgia Robinson Featured image and gallery: Ruby Sharp Get one step ahead of your 2025 aesthetic and plan your outfits for the new year with this guide to all the trends we expect to see next year. Why not jazz up your wardrobe with trending accessories or browse Depop and Vinted for a pre-loved…
Featured image and gallery: Kaitlyn Brockley The rumble of trains passing through Piccadilly station, the hollers of touts (“tickets, buy or sell?”) and security (“have your IDs ready”), and the excitable chatter of gig-goers all audibly backdrop the outskirts of Manchester’s Mayfield Depot this dark, damp evening. Leaving the outside chill and travelling along the…
Featured image and gallery: Leo Woollison Crook Angela Cheveau and Kate Carne were crowned winners of the 2024 QuietManDave Prize on Friday. The short-form writing prize is held biennially to honour the memory of the much-loved and well-known Manchester writer and critic Dave Murray, who passed away in 2019. The writers were each awarded £1000…
Leave a reply