Laura Barton and Raphael Selbourne @ EIBF

 

Barton and Selbourne were an odd pairing at the bookfest: yes they have things in common – they’ve both just published their first novels, both created a socially real female protagonist, and both set books in an English city that isn’t London, but this doesn’t necessarily lend to congruency, or an entertaining hour. Selbourne won the Costa first book award for Beauty, and you have to keep reminding yourself of this while you listen to his dry, monotonous voice, which even he admits will probably put the audience off reading the book. Selbourne also declares, in a 'kettle black' moment, that there is no contemporary literature worth reading. Barton is not so dry, nor so thoughtless, but lacks anything remarkable. If she could exchange some of her humility for confidence, she may go further in convincing potential readers of the book's worth. Her novel, 21 Locks, has far reaching appeal, comfortable in the chick lit market while also a strong contender for poetic and critical acclaim.

While the books' saleable potential was probably damaged by their authors attempt at promotion, they do have merit and should be read to support contemporary literature and encourage talent – we all have to start somewhere after all. [Renée Rowland]