Tawseef Khan in Conversation with Refuweegee's Selina Hales

Ginger Cat Events

Join Jhalak longlisted author Tawseef Khan in conversation with Selina Hales, founder of Refuweegee, at the Gryffe Valley Book Festival

Carrick Centre

Gryffe Valley Book Festival 2025

Join us from 5th -12th September for the 2nd year of the Gryffe Valley Book Festival. With events across Houston, Bridge of Weir, Quarriers and Kilmacolm the festival will bring a vibrant celebration of literature for all ages..

Author Tawseef Khan in Conversation with Selina Hales at the Gryffe Valley Book FestivalSaturday 6th September, 1:00 PMCarrick Centre, HoustonJoin us for an enthralling afternoon with Jhalak Prize-longlisted author Tawseef Khan as he discusses his powerful new novel, Determination, in conversation with Selina Hales, founder and CEO of Refuweegee. We are delighted to have Refuweegee are our charity partner for this year's festival.This special event offers a rare opportunity to hear from Tawseef Khan, an acclaimed writer and practising lawyer whose work explores themes of justice, identity, and belonging. Determination, his debut work of fiction, marks a bold new step in his literary journey -telling a timely, gripping story that blends legal insight with deeply human storytelling.Tawseef will be chaired by Selina Hales, whose work with Refuweegee has transformed the narrative around welcome, solidarity, and community for refugees and asylum seekers across Scotland. Together, they will delve into the inspiration behind Determination, and reflect on how fiction can challenge systems and reimagine futures.There will be time for an audience Q&amp;A, as well as a chance to buy the book and to meet the author to have your copy of Determination signed.Jamila Shah is twenty-nine and exhausted. An immigration solicitor tasked with running the precious family law firm, Jamila is prone to being woken in the middle of the night by frantic phone calls from clients on the cusp of deportation. Working under the shadow of the government's 'hostile environment', she constantly prays and hopes that their 'determinations' will result in her clients being allowed to stay.With no time for friends, family or even herself (never mind a needy partner), Jamila's life feels hectic and out of control. Then a breakdown of sorts forces her to seek change - to pursue her own happiness while navigating the endless expectations that the world seems to have of her, and still committing herself to a career devoted to helping others.Don’t miss this thought-provoking afternoon of literature, justice, and community.