Linda Grant to speak about her novel to students and public

A Man Booker Prize shortlisted author is to speak publicly about her work in a session at the University of St Andrews.

Linda Grant’s novel The Clothes on Their Backs was gifted to every entrant undergraduate this year before the start of term as part of an ongoing scheme to spark debate and discussion.

Ms Grant was shortlisted in 2008 for the story of one woman and how clothes marked key points in her life.

The book deals with the major themes of immigration, perception and class.

The visit is the third in an annual initiative designed to offer new students a common topic for discussion.

Launched in 2009, the St Andrews Man Booker Prize Project involves every new undergraduate student being sent a copy of a Man Booker Prize shortlisted book before the start of term.

Conceived by University Principal Professor Louise Richardson and the chairman of the Booker Prize Foundation, it is hoped that the project will engage entrant students in intellectual debate.

Professor Richardson said: “Throughout its long history the University of St Andrews has celebrated books and writers.

“We are delighted that through the generosity of the Booker Prize Foundation we can continue that tradition by giving every incoming student a copy of a book shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, along with an opportunity to discuss its meaning, and to meet its author.”

Last year Lloyd Jones, shortlisted in 2007 for his novel Mister Pip came to the town and the year before Mohsin Hamid, writer of The Reluctant Fundamentalist visited.

Linda Grant will appear at the Buchanan Lecture Theatre, Union Street, St Andrews on Wednesday 16 November at 5.15-6.15pm.

Staff and the public are all welcome to attend. There will be a very limited supply of copies of the book for sale on the night.

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Images of Linda Grant are available at http://www.lindagrant.co.uk/press/

Her biography is avaialable at  http://www.lindagrant.co.uk/about/

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews

Contact Fiona MacLeod on 01334 462108/ 0771 414 0559.

Ref: (grant 10/11/11)