Join us and share your passion for reading! A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee has been revealed as our new Book Club book.
Every two months we will meet virtually over tea and biscuits to discuss some of the best works in contemporary literature. We’ll explore short stories, novels, non-fiction, poetry, and works in translation, making these informal and friendly sessions the perfect way to meet like-minded readers and to discover exciting new reads. We’ll always choose books that are easy to purchase in hard copy online or via Kindle.
Virtual Book Club: A Rising Man
Our next virtual book club will discuss A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee (published by Vintage), the first in his Sam Wyndham series of historical crime novels set in Calcutta/Kolkata during the time of the British Raj occupation of India. It’s a hugely interesting book that follows jaded English intelligence officer Sam Wyndham and his Indian deputy Sergeant ‘Surrender-not’ Bannerjee as they investigate the murder of a high-ranking British official. Ian Rankin called A Rising Man ‘a thought-provoking rollercoaster’, and C J Samson ‘an exceptional historical crime novel’.
Abir’s novel takes us from the palaces and plantations to the backstreets, brothels and opium dens of Calcutta. It poses really interesting questions about otherness as well as being a hugely readable and satisfying crime story.
There are plenty of ways for you to get involved with the book club from home:
Subscribe and listen to the Writing Life podcast
Tune in to our episode of The Writing Life podcast where Flo Reynolds gives a brief introduction to the Book Club and Abir’s book.
Join our new online community
We’ve launched a new community space on Discord to help readers and writers connect in these unusual times. Book Club members were the first to be invited, so come and join the discussion! Find out more
Take part in a virtual book club discussion via Zoom
If you’re looking for something a little more interactive, you can join us in March for a virtual book club discussion by video! Just sign-up for free and we will send you instructions ahead of time.
Spaces are limited so we recommend booking your place in advance.
Tuesday 25 May, 5.30 – 7pm BST
Suggested activities, writing exercises and further recommended reading
Explore questions for readers here
Try a writing exercise inspired by A Rising Man
Stay tuned for further recommended reading!
Where can I buy the book?
Place an order with The Book Hive. Mention the NCW Book Club and they will give you 10% off!
A Rising Man is also available for purchase as an eBook.
Many of your favourite independent bookshops are continuing their business online or by phone and will deliver anywhere in the UK. Why not give them a shout?
You can shop over 150 independent bookshops online now at uk.bookshop.org
Norwich – The Book Hive, Jarrold, Tombland Books, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, Abstract Sprockett, Norfolk Children’s Book Centre
London – Burley Fisher Books, Daunt Books, Brick Lane Bookshop, Pages of Hackney, Dulwich Books, Stoke Newington Bookshop, South Kensington Books, Newham Bookshop, Pages of Cheshire Street, The All Good Bookshop, Pickled Pepper Books, Owl Bookshop, Persephone Books
Edinburgh – Golden Hare Books, Typewronger Books
Wadhurst – Barnetts Books
York – Ken Spelman Books
Petersfield – The Petersfield Bookshop
Stockton-on-Tees – Drake the Bookshop
Arundel and Chichester – Kim’s Bookshop
Nottingham – Five Leaves Bookshop
Hexham, Northumberland – Cogito Books
Explore The Bookseller’s list of independent bookshops and the services they can offer