Prize-winning author Sara Maitland to celebrate opening of Bethnal Green bookshop

24 November 2009

A PRIZE-WINNING author is joining the celebrations at the official opening of a new independent bookshop in Bethnal Green.

Sara Maitland won the prestigious Somerset Maughan award for her first novel Daughter of Jerusalem. She will mark the opening of LXV Books in Roman Road with a book reading on Sunday December 6 to support her friend who owns the shop.

Since her debut she has written five novels and plays for Radio 4 as well as non fiction including the best-seller A Book of Silence. Her short story Far North was made into a film starring Bond girl Michelle Yeoh and Sean Bean.

The new bookshop has opened in a former art gallery and jewellers at 65 Roman Road , which it takes its name from.

Owner Sebastian Sandys who already trades in books online hopes the shop will act as a meeting place for people interested in literature with readings and book groups.

He said the opening of new student accommodation in Cambridge Heath Road and the burgeoning of literature events including the London writing book group and author events at Bethnal Green library is helping ot encourage an interest in books.

He said: "We are already open in the afternoons and have had an extraordinary level of positive interest from people. Until now you would have to go to Bloomsbury for the nearest proper second hand bokshop."

The book reading will start at 7pm on Sunday December 6.

Further information at www.lxvbooks.com