Author Jonathan Kemp to give talk at Wanstead Library

Acclaimed author Jonathan Kemp will deliver an hour-long talk next week in Wanstead.

Having been shortlisted for the inaugural Green Carnation Prize for his first novel, London Triptych, Kemp has continued to produce highly regarded works, including his second book, Twentysix, in 2011.

With an Authors’ Club Best First Novel award under his belt, Kemp combines his writing with teaching creative writing and comparative literature at Birkbeck, University of London.

A writer of fiction and non-fiction, he is also the co-founder of the Planet Martha Theatre Company and is also known to club crowds as a DJ.

Originally from Manchester, the author moved to Malaysia as a child before settling in London 25 years ago.

London Triptych focuses on the scene in which writer and poet Oscar Wilde was a key figure, but also draws heavily on Kemp’s time in the capital.

His writing has appeared in various titles, including Chroma, the online gay literary journal Polari, Brand magazine and in the collection of Best Gay Short Stories 2010.

Kemp will speak at Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, on Friday, February 7 from 6.30pm.

Entry is free, and for more information call 020 8708 7400.