London Living at The Southbank
Image: Vicky Sprout
As autumn returns, the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre brings together a vibrant gathering of international authors, poets, and speakers—true word magicians celebrating the art of storytelling. Over the past few weeks, this iconic riverside venue has fostered an inclusive and expressive environment, showcasing emerging talent and launching eagerly awaited new works. Readers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in this literary celebration for one final weekend.
On an intimate Sunday evening, amidst the festive buzz of London’s Wonderground, the Southbank welcomed curious minds for a conversation centred around ‘London Living.’ The backdrop of family life, lively bars, and soft music provided a gentle reminder of the weekend’s end and the new week’s arrival—a subtle call to return home.
In the Royal Festival Hall, writers Ella Frears, Oisín McKenna, Kwajo Tweneboa, Kieran Yates, and chair Holly Pester engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on "writing home," exploring the complexities of living in the unequal landscape of London. Through spontaneous and insightful dialogue, these authors shared their personal experiences, offering beautiful yet painful reflections on life in a city grappling with crisis.
A key thread linking the speakers was the interplay between individual narratives and broader societal issues of living in London. They examined the connections between the loose privacy of renting a home and its impact on public life, weaving together real stories, memories, character sketches, and an audacious voice that encapsulated experiences of fraught health and relationships.
Image: Jess Hand
Ella Frears, a poet and artist shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize for Poetry, discussed her latest book, Goodlord. In a long email to an estate agency, her stream-of-consciousness transformed into a rhythmic performance of frustration—more fulfilling than her earlier writings. Frears sought to push this pseudo-complaint into the realm of fantasy, unraveling the stark realities of the London dream.
Oisín McKenna’s witty and visually rich novel, Evenings and Weekends, follows the lives of 30-year-olds navigating a summer weekend in London. Unable to afford city living, the couple is drawn back to suburban life in a state of survival. Following a pleasurable impulse, McKenna engages the reader in a poignant exploration of how our emotional lives are shaped by the political, social, and cultural conditions of life in London.
Changemaker Kwajo Tweneboa confronts the housing crisis through the stories of those most affected, emphasising that tragedy often prompts attention to these issues. In a heartfelt letter to his late father, Tweneboa channels his grief into activism. The haunting stories of Grenfell Tower tenants serve as a grounding reminder of the 72 documented lives lost in 2017, underscoring the unequal impact of London’s housing crisis.
Kieran Yates, journalist and author, reflects on the writer's responsibility to enact change by sharing lived experiences. Drawing inspiration from Toni Morrison and Seamus Heaney, Yates’ memoir explores the intricate ties between home, music, community, and the neglect of uninhabitable housing.
With the ever-present threats of damp, mould, and asbestos lurking on every page, these harsh realities profoundly affect the characters’ emotional lives, stifling their capacity to breathe and find joy. The tragic case of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in 2020, illustrates an urgent need for change. Following the Grenfell Tower fire and Awaab’s death, new laws aimed at improving social housing conditions have emerged, providing stronger grounds to hold landlords and powers at be accountable.
The evening concluded with an air of hope, as shared stories of activism through organisations like the Rentals Union highlighted the power of community and the human spirit. It is the connections we forge in London that ultimately make it a place we return to, a reminder that amidst the challenges, there is resilience and lasting camaraderie.
For tickets and more info on the London Literature Festival at the Southbank, visit here.
