We’re delighted to share news about a new anthology which has a distinctly ‘TLC’ feel! This new anthology from Manchester-based independent publisher Comma Press, entitled ‘The Book of Birmingham’, has been edited by TLC Reader Kavita Bhanot, and features writing from TLC Reader Sibyl Ruth – as well as also featuring writing from TLC clients Balvinder Banga and Sharon Duggal.
Few cities have undergone such a radical transformation over the last few decades as Birmingham; culturally and architecturally, it has been in a state of perpetual flux and regeneration. This collection explores themes such as racial tensions and segregation, with stories set from Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick in 1965, to the Handsworth riots two decades later, and the demise of the city’s manufacturing in the 70s and 80s, to the on-going tensions between communities in recent years.
The book allows the beginning of a more authentic conversation about the UK’s ‘second city’, one whose history and culture is often misunderstood. The Book of Birmingham was launched at the Birmingham Literature Festival on 5th of October, with a discussion featuring Kavita and authors C.D. Rose, Sharon Duggal, Malachi McIntosh and Jendella Benson.
Editor Kavita Bhanot grew up in London, lived for many years in Birmingham, then moved to India, where she directed an international literature festival and helped to set up India’s first literary agency. Kavita’s fiction, non-fiction and reviews have been published and broadcast widely (including Media Diversified, The Independent, BBC Radio 4). She is editor of the anthology Too Asian, Not Asian Enough (Tindal Street Press, 2011) and co-editor of the first Bare Lit anthology (Brain Mill Press, 2017). For TLC, Kavita reads literary and commercial fiction and is a TLC Chapter and Verse mentor.
The book is on sale now, and can be purchased via Comma’s website here.
