In Conversation: Ashley Hickson Lovence

The talented Ashley Hickson-Lovence is with us for the launch of his new novel About To Fall Apart.

Dr. Ashley Hickson-Lovence is a novelist, poet, literary critic and Lecturer of Creative Writing. His debut novel The 392 was released with OWN IT! in April 2019. His second novel Your Show, based on the life and career of former Black football referee Uriah Rennie, was released with Faber in April 2022. His third book Wild East was with Penguin in 2024.

About To Fall Apart - This is the story of one man's weekend, a weekend in which everything could change. These lines could change everything /He sips more of his tinny / Imagines a new life. Aidy's just punched a co-worker, but he hasn't got time to deal with the fallout. With a deadline fast looming he must get home, knuckle down and finish the story he's been working on, a story he hasn't been able to stop thinking about. It's the story of a falling plane and of a grieving mother.
Set across one weekend, About to Fall Apart is the exhilarating story of a man of mixed heritage - living on the Irish border - as he tries to stay positive, reconnect with his children and maybe, even, find his own birth mother.

Dr. Khaliden Nas (he/they) is a writer, researcher and critic with a PHD in Media and Culture Studies from the Unverisity of Sussex. Their work explores the realities of queer subjectivity, identity, self-conception and otherness at the intersections of media, culture and identity-with a particular focus on Arabness, Blackness and same-sex desire. They also host and produce the pop culture podcast REFERENTIAL; where they have conversations about identity and representation accreoss the media cultures we make; and the cultures that make us.

"In Conversation" has grown into a remarkable event series at Afrori Books. Whether it’s a lively auditorium filled with hundreds or a cosy, intimate setting, these events offer a chance to engage with some of the brightest established and emerging authors and creatives from around the globe. These are one-of-a-kind opportunities to hear personal stories and experiences, shared with honesty and openness. At Afrori Books, we’re committed to providing a safe space for Black creatives to tell their stories in their own voices. We’d love for you to join the conversation.

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