Recommended event

We had originally scheduled a visit from Victoria Hislop on 18 October to talk about her new book 'The Figurine' on the final days of her publicity tour, and were delighted to have a near capacity audience a week before the date.

Then I had news that Victoria wasn't well. A number of events over the weekend had had to be cancelled and I'd be told the following Monday if Victoria was well enough to go ahead.

Sadly she wasn't and I emailed and phoned everyone on our long list of ticket holders to let them know.

Everyone was very understanding, of course, and sent their best wishes for Victoria's speedy recovery. Many were happy to receive their copy of 'The Figurine' which they had ordered with their ticket so we handed these out on the day.

Fortunately Victoria very kindly offered a new date soon afterwards and we were able to reschedule for another lunchtime event, on Tuesday 21 November.

Our audience members were able to amend their plans so the cinema was packed to receive Victoria and listen to all she had to say about her love of Greece, and Woodbridge, her newfound passion for archeology and her activism, and her experience of Dancing with the Stars, the Greek version of Strictly Come Dancing. She showed us her own Cycladic figure and there was a short slide show too! 

Victoria was asked about her own reading and mentioned two authors she was particularly enjoying and a number of people have since wanted to be reminded of the names she shared - they were Elisabeth Strout and Ann Tyler.

There was a long and patient queue for Victoria to sign copies of the book. We had 237 people in the audience and 210 books sold, so it took a little while before Victoria was free to leave for a light lunch and then driving on to Ely where she was speaking for Toppings bookshop in the evening.

I have had lots of lovely comments about the event afterwards, and was particularly thrilled to hear from Victoria:

'Thank you so much for the terrific event on Tuesday...It was so lovely to meet so many wonderful and devoted readers...Hope to see you again soon.'  Victoria

'Well, that was worth the wait! What a mine of information and research. Victoria was a delight to listen to - so interesting and well informed. You did a great job as always!' Julie

'Thoroughly enjoyed this afternoon. Victoria seemed very natural and nice as well as very intelligent. Great interview!' Sarah

'Well done. Everyone was saying how good it was as we left.' Marian

Read my review of 'The Figurine' here and my article in the East Anglian Daily Times here.