Book News

A Taste of Ancient Rome

Readers of historical fiction can get a taste of ancient Rome at Poole Central Library on Tuesday 7th July. They are invited to a free evening with writer Ben Kane who will be talking about his two novels on ancient Rome, The Forgotten Legion and the newly published Silver Eagle. The talk starts at 6.30 pm, and guests will be greeted with suitably 'Roman' refreshments.

Ben Kane grew up in Kenya and Ireland and has travelled widely. He has always felt a fascination for ancient history. Writing The Forgotten Legion involved extensive research into the world of ancient Rome and its armies. When the manuscript was sent out to the publishers, he watched with shock, disbelief and elation as a bidding war ensued between six publishing houses. It quickly rose into the top 10 of debut hardback fiction.

The book tells the story of three men and one woman bound in servitude to the Republic. Their odyssey begins in Rome, but ends at the very limits of the known world, where the Forgotten Legion fights against overwhelming odds.

Ben will be talking about his inspiration for the stories, how he carried out the research and the experience of getting published. After the talk the audience will have the chance to ask him questions about his writing.

Free places for the talk can be booked in the library or by ringing 01202 262421.

Spotlight on history - free coffee morning

Our recent 'cake and coffee' sessions at two libraries have provided us with lots of information about our readers' favourite crime books and authors.

Now we are turning our attention to history. Following the visit of historical writer, Ben Kane to the Central Library on 7th July we will be discussing your favourite historical fiction at our next coffee and cake morning at the Central Library on 14th July at 10.30. Come along and tell us what you like and how you find new titles to read. You might even dare to take a mystery read!

You can book your free place at the Ask Here desk in the Central Library, or by ringing 01202 262421.

 20 Self-made Millionaires in Poole!

We are delighted to announce the first 20 word millionaires in our new scheme designed exclusively for Poole school children. Read a Million Words is a challenge to all children to read a million words in a year - comics, magazines, Internet pages and of course, books. Our interactive website at www.ramwpoole.org.uk is live for you to register, get your Reading Passport and start building up your word score. There are also goodies to collect from your library along the way to becoming a word millionaire. So far there are over 650 readers registered and more joining every day - but don't worry; there are plenty of words for everybody!

Orange prize winners announced

The winner of the 2009 award is Marilynne Robinson for her novel Home. Jack Broughton returns home after twenty years, trying to make peace with a past littered with trouble and pain. In the process he forges a new bond with his sister, Glory and engages painfully with his dying father.

'This year's Orange Prize winner has a luminous quality to it that has drawn all of the judges to a unanimous decision. The profound nature of the writing stood out, as has the ability of writer to draw the reader into a world of hope expectation, misunderstanding, love and kindness,' said Fi Glover, chair of judges.

Winner of the Orange Award for New Writers was Francesca Kay for her book An Equal Stillness, described as 'a brilliant evocation of an artist, struggling to meet the demands of her domestic life'.

For further details see www.orangeprize.co.uk

Most borrowed books in May 2009

 Borough of Poole

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