Author of bestselling books including There are Rivers in the Sky and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, Shafak is back with her new novel In One Brief Moment All Eternity.

The novel is a luminous reinvention of French novelist Gustave Flaubert, told through the eyes of the women (real and fictional) who shaped him: a devoted nursemaid, an Egyptian dancer, and a passionate, jealous lover who refuses to be forgotten. Through their voices, Shafak creates both an intimate portrait of a great artist and an epic meditation on storytelling itself.

In conversation with Observer literary editor Tom Gatti, Shafak will explore some of the questions posed in the novel: Who gets remembered, who gets erased, and how can literature endure through political upheaval, war, and injustice?

The book will also be available to purchase on the evening, with a 20% discount on copies for subscribers to The Observer as part of the many benefits of our newly launched Culture Club.

We kindly ask for a £10 deposit to secure your spot – you’ll receive a refund when you attend, or if you cancel your ticket at least 48 hours before the event takes place. If not, your deposit will be donated to our charity partner Shelter from the Storm, supporting people experiencing homelessness in London.

*Please note that filming/photography may be taking place on site for the duration of this event for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our website. If you would prefer not to be photographed please let the Fora team know on arrival to the event.