17 January 2010

Critically acclaimed author to read from new novel

Best-selling comic author Jasper Fforde will read extracts from his new novel when he appears at the University of Dundee later this week.

The award-winning Fforde is best known for his Thursday Next detective novels and the Nursey Crime Stories series. His new book, Shades of Grey, has already won critical acclaim, and has been describedas part social satire, part romance and part revolutionary thriller.

Shades of Greytakes place in Chromatica, a land where a rigid social hierarchy is based upon the colours that citizens can see. In this black-and-white world, life must be lived in strict accordance with the Rulebook, and colour is a commodity that dictates status, career and fate.

The event is organised by Literary Dundee. Director Anna Day said that Fforde was just one of a number of top authors lined up to appear in Dundee this year.

'We're all really excited that Jasper Fforde has chosen Dundee as the only Scottish venue where he’ll be reading from his new book,' she said. 'It shows that Dundee is now an exciting place for authors to come and visit. It has been two years since his last novel and I can't wait to hear him read from this new book.'

The free public event takes place at the Dalhousie Building from 6pm on Friday, January 22nd. Fforde will answer questions from the audience and sign copies of the book after the reading, and a wine reception will also take place.

Tickets are available from Waterstone’s Dundee, by emailing Anna Day on a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk, by calling 01382 384413 or by visiting the University’s online store - www.buyat.dundee.ac.uk/) and searching for Jasper Fford.

Literary Dundee is an organisation, based at the University, that promotes literacy and an interest in literature across the city. It organises dozens of events each year, including the highly successful Dundee Literary Festival. More information is available by visiting www.literarydundee.co.uk/).

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277