A game of two halves at Oundle Festival of Literature

We have two very different events for you this month.

Patrick Gale joins us on his UK-wide tour for his 18th novel, Love Lane, a beautiful work of fiction, and Jonathan Wilson, renowned football historian, journalist and podcaster is in conversation about The Power & the Glory: A New History of the World Cup looking at the huge impact the tournament has had on the world.

See Patrick on Friday 8th May in conversation on the release of Love Lane: a searing portrayal of escape and entrapment, and a powerful exploration of what home and family can really be. This novel has been selected for Sara Cox's BBC Radio 2 Book Club. It's one for those who enjoy character driven stories and observations on society and family dynamics, perfect if you're a fan of Joanne Harris, David Nicholls, Tracy Chevalier, Sarah Winman, Sarah Waters or Maggie O' Farrell, and you don't have to have read the book before you come along.

A week later on Friday 15th May, we have the powerhouse of football journalism and history Jonathan Wilson in conversation about his new book, The Power and the Glory:  A New History of the World Cup, a month before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Jonathan will be bringing his journalistic eye to the myriad ways the World Cup tournament's effects have rippled out into wider society and politics across its lifetime. Expect geo-political insight, new facts and footballing drama.

There will be a bar at both events, the chance to ask questions in an audience Q&A after the main conversation, plus you can get a book signed afterwards.

Buy tickets here: https://www.oundlefestivalofliterature.co.uk/what-s-on

Group tickets are available for Jonathan Wilson and concessions for both events. Oundle is on the X4 bus route and there is free parking widely throughout the town and at most of our venues. See online for more info.