Bookworms could get their names in works by high-profile authors such as Margaret Atwood and Lee Child and raise money for a Holloway torture charity at the same time.
Freedom From Torture in Isledon Road is holding its biennieal literary fundraiser next month. Hosted by Julian Barnes and Tracy Chevalier, the “freedom-themed” event at Savoy Place will have a host of prizes up for grabs.
Ahead of the big night, the charity is auctioning off a host of unique prizes, including the names of characters in upcoming novels. Other authors auctioning off character names are Julian Barnes and Marian Keyes.
There’s also a portrait from Quentin Blake and a signed film script from Helen Mirren available. All money will enable the charity to help survivors in their rehabilitation.
EBRD Literature Prize winner Burhan Sönmez, who was treated at Freedom From Torture while exiled in Britain, will be reading from his new book Labyrinth on the night, alongside fellow survivors.
He said: “Twenty years ago, when I was in need of medical help, Freedom from Torture [then known as the Medical Foundation] helped me a lot. I am indebted to the organisation. It saved my life.”
Margaret Atwood added: “In my novels, I often write about a world that is without liberty and human rights. This fiction is a cruel reality for the torture survivors who are supported by Freedom from Torture. For this vital work to continue, I am offering you the chance to have a character in my new novel named after you.
“This year’s auction is a timely reminder that while the world is an increasingly scary place, our voices are powerful, and we still have the freedom to use them. Happy bidding!”
The auction will go live on November 1 here.
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