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.
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