We are delighted to be welcoming Sandra Newman, author of Julia: A Retelling of Orwell’s 1984, to discuss her highly acclaimed novel at 7:30pm on 19 September at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church, in conversation with local author Marni Appleton.
Sandra is the author of the Baileys Prize–longlisted The Country of Ice Cream Star; The Only Good Thing Anyone Has Ever Done (shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award); Cake; The Heavens; and The Men. She is a graduate of the University of East Anglia’s Creative Writing programme and now lives in London.
She will be interviewed by Marni Appleton, whose debut novel I Hope You’re Happy was published by The Indigo Press in February 2025. She holds a PhD in creative-critical writing from the University of East Anglia, and her short stories have appeared in The Tangerine, Banshee, The London Magazine, and other journals.
The event is a collaboration supported by the Eccles Institute at the British Library. The Eccles Institute has a connection to Furzedown through the Thrales of Streatham Park. Mary Eccles acquired the Thrales’ library from Streatham Park and wrote about them. Part of the collection is now held at the British Library. The Eccles Institute, which promotes cultural exchange between the USA and the UK, has supported Furzedown LitFest in bringing the acclaimed American author Sandra Newman to this year’s event in Furzedown.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
