Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Elspeth Duncan launches first novel

(In yesterday's Newsday)

On September 10, Elspeth Duncan launched her first novel, Daisy Chain, at the NALIS AV Room in Port-of-Spain.
Guests were invited to arrive early for the chance to be one of 53 people to win an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime door prize. The nature of the prize, a trip for two inspired by one of the chapters of the novel, was not revealed until the end of the show.

Following an opening speech by Garfield King of Radio 97.1FM and a thought-provoking review by Dr Marjorie Thorpe, guests in the packed NALIS AV Room were treated to a cinematic experience. Duncan, also a film-maker, had created striking short filmed sequences, relating to each novel excerpt. These were projected onto the screen to introduce each related reading. In keeping with the novel’s eclectic thread of vignettes featuring 53 different women, Duncan invited different women to read excerpts from the diverse chapters. The launch featured Patti-Anne Ali reading the hilarious “Mona”, Jamela Khan reading the sensual “Mrs C” and Vanessa Duncan reading the deeply moving “Philippine”.

All 90 copies of Daisy Chain, available for sale after the launch through Paper Based Bookshop, were sold out that night. The author was present to sign each book with a personal message.

Those who missed the launch can experience the filmed excerpts and Daisy Chain readings on Wednesday September 28 from midday, as IGDS (Institute for Gender and Development Studies), UWI features Daisy Chain at their first lunchtime seminar of the term at SALISES building, UWI. Copies of the novel will be available for purchase and will be signed by the author. For information on this seminar, contact Deborah Mc Fee, outreach and research officer, IGDS, Phone: 662 2002 Ext 83573, 83577. E-mail: igds@sta.uwi.edu

Daisy Chain is available locally from Paper Based Bookshop, 10 Nook Avenue, Hotel Normandie, St Ann’s and internationally from amazon.com.

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