The Portico library to host evening of exclusive readings with award-nominated authors

Literature buffs are in for a treat as The Portico Library hosts a special evening of readings from authors nominated for the 2022 Portico Prize.

Six shortlisted writers will give exclusive readings from their books on the eve of the award, and there’ll be an opportunity to take part in discussions and pose questions to the authors.

The online event will take place on Wed 19 Jan, getting underway at 7.30pm. Tickets are just a fiver and can be booked now. 

To be eligible for entry to the Portico Prize, a book should have a central theme or subject that engages with some aspect of the North. The winner will receive £10,000.

The full Portico shortlist is:

The Portico Prize 2022 shortlist is:

• Ghosted by Jenn Ashworth (Sceptre)
• The Outsiders by James Corbett (Lightning Books)
• The Family Tree by Sairish Hussain (HQ, Harper Collins)
• Sea State by Tabitha Lasley (4th Estate)
• Toto Among the Murderers by Sally J. Morgan (JM Originals, Hachette)
• Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan (Faber)

On-hand to help choose a winner is broadcaster Melanie Sykes (also Editor-in-Chief of The Frank Magazine and co-presenter of the Sykes & Savidge Book Club), journalist, author, broadcaster and academic Gary Younge, poet and essayist Momtaza Mehri, and arts and entertainment editor at The Daily Telegraph Anita Singh.

The Portico Prize award ceremony will take place the following day, on Thu 20 Jan—you can register your spot for the free event here.