The Guardian Book Club marked the publication of its highly anticipated 100 Best Novels of All Time poll with a special live event at Conway Hall in London. Chaired by the Guardian's chief books writer, Lisa Allardice, the evening brought together contributors to this once-in-a-generation project, including acclaimed authors Elif Shafak, Guy Gunaratne, Kate Mosse and Blake Morrison.
The panel discussed the novels that helped shape their work, their lives and their understanding of the world. The sold-out audience engaged with the authors as they shared personal insights into the literary works that have had the most profound impact on them.
A Celebration of Literary Greatness
The event, produced by Tanya Anastasiadis and Maddie Earle, featured a lively discussion among the four authors. Elif Shafak, an award-winning British-Turkish novelist, spoke about the power of storytelling across cultures. Guy Gunaratne, a British novelist and playwright, reflected on how literature can challenge political narratives. Kate Mosse, a bestselling historical fiction writer, highlighted the importance of diverse voices in literature. Blake Morrison, a poet and author, offered his perspective on the enduring relevance of classic novels.
Notable Moments from the Evening
One of the highlights was a book swap among attendees, where readers exchanged their favorite novels. The event also included a Q&A session, where audience members asked the panel about their personal reading habits and the criteria for selecting the 100 best novels.
Photographs from the event, captured by Alecsandra Raluca Drăgoi, show the authors on stage at Conway Hall, the packed audience, and the book swap in action. The Guardian Live event series continues to bring together literary enthusiasts for thought-provoking discussions.
For more information on the 100 Best Novels list and future Guardian Book Club events, visit the Guardian's website.
