Hajar Reads: Memory

We invite you to the first session of our new political reading and discussion group, Hajar Reads. This month’s theme is Memory.

Join us for Hajar Reads: Memory. In this reading and discussion group with Hajar Press’s Amber Obasi and Shibanee Sivanayagam, we’ll reflect on the ways, sometimes imperfect, that we try to hold on to moments, people, places and feelings. We’ll consider how memories disrupt linear time, allowing us to move between different temporalities and the creative potential in this.

We’ll be discussing extracts from The Leaf of the Neem Tree (Jamal Mehmood, 2021), Sambac Beneath Unlikely Skies (Heba Hayek, 2021), Objects from April and May (Zena Agha, 2022), Through an Addict’s Looking-Glass (Waithera Sebatindira, 2023), and Seeing for Ourselves: And Even Stranger Possibilities (Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, 2023).

Extracts will be shared in advance of the session, but there’s no expectation to have read them all to take part—just come along ready to listen, think and share!

Light refreshments will be provided.

Access: Please cancel your ticket if you feel unwell, have flu symptoms or any other contagious illness. Mask-wearing is encouraged. This is to help look after and protect each other, especially vulnerable members of our community.

Unfortunately, this venue is not wheelchair-accessible, as there are stairs leading up to the room and the lift is out of service. We are deeply sorry for any difficulties or restrictions this may cause.

Our ticket price is to help cover the cost of venue hire, facilitators’ labour and refreshments.

If you have an access question or need, or if the ticket price is prohibitive for you, please get in touch with us at events [at] hajarpress [dot] com.

Hajar Reads is a new reading and discussion space open to all. Each month, we take a themed selection of extracts from Hajar Press titles as a starting point to imagine beyond the way things are and reflect on our responsibilities to the world and to each other.

For early access to spaces at Hajar Reads, consider joining our subscription; we reserve a limited number of free spots for our subscribers every month.