Join us for a conversation between two remarkable women on the theme of home, belonging and our body’s place in the landscape.

Marchelle Farrell left Trinidad years ago, but having been uprooted once again she headed to the peaceful English countryside, where she found herself being the only Black woman in her village. Drawn to her new garden, Marchelle began to examine the complex and emotional question of home in the context of colonialism. As her relationship with the garden deepens, she discovers that her two conflicting identities are far more intertwined than she had realised. Uprooting is about finding home where we least expect it, inviting us to reconnect to the land — and ourselves.

All her life, Tessa McWatt has been asked, ‘What are you?’ Born in Guyana to a family with Scottish, African, French, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, and Native American heritage, she grew up in a white suburb, longing to fit in. As an adult, she moved to the UK, still pursued by questions about her identity. Shame On Me is a deeply personal reckoning with race and belonging, in which Tessa interweaves her own experiences as a mixed-race woman with a stark and unvarnished history of slavery and indenture, as well as observations on literature and popular culture.

Marchelle and Tessa will be in conversation with Nick Acheson.

Good to know

• All events will start promptly at the advertised time. Please get to the tent in good time. That way, you won't be in a rush, and we'll be able to get everyone seated comfortably.
• Please print/download to your phone your e-ticket! You will be given a wristband on arrival but for individual events your ticket will be required for entry into the tent.
• This event is suitable for people aged 12 and up.
• Yes, all the writers will have books for sale! And yes, you can get your copies signed!
• Your ticket grants you access to the grounds of Mannington (over the whole weekend). Find out about the gardens, walks and wildlife on offer by visiting manningtongardens.co.uk
• For more information on transport, accommodation, disabled access, food and more please visit manningtonbookbash.co.uk
• Any questions? Email contact@thebookhive.co.uk or phone 01603 219268
  
• Please note — refunds for this event will not be available after Sunday 1st September