Exeter Unesco City of Literature Unveils Bestselling Authors in Attendance at The Book Market
Exeter City of Literature’s fourth annual Book Market returns on Sunday 9th June, 11am to 4pm. In front of Exeter Cathedral, 11 independent bookshops from across Devon and many free literary-themed activities will give residents and visitors a day packed full of bookish fun.
This year, for the first time, Exeter City of Literature is bringing together established authors with a connection to Devon to The Book Market for free talks, readings, and book signings. The Author Tent covers a range of genres and features bestselling authors such as sci-fi writer and University of Exeter graduate Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Torbay resident Sarah Pearse whose debut book was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, and bookseller turned historical fantasy author Lucy Holland.
Josie Long, an award-winning comedian, is making a special appearance reading from her debut short story collection before signing copies of her book. Cartoonist Shri Gunasekara, publishing lecturer D-M Withers, and poets Abdulla Moaswes and Aaliyah Kara will also be participating in The Author Tent throughout the day.
For those who want a bit more Zen with their book-buying, local publisher David & Charles are sponsoring a Wellness Corner featuring meditation and knitting workshops, drop-in bibliotherapy sessions, and a quiet place to read.
Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, bestselling author of The Order of Legends trilogy, is eager to meet Exeter’s readers. She says, “I am incredibly excited to be returning to one of my favourite places in the country for The Book Market. Exeter holds such a special place in my heart, so I'm really looking forward to celebrating the written word and hearing other authors speak about their work on the beautiful Cathedral Green. I have just returned from a cultural exchange in Barcelona, organised by Exeter City of Literature, where I worked extensively on a new novel, so I feel very ready to chat about books!”
Sarah Pearse, bestselling author of The Sanatorium, says, “I’m delighted to be a part of this year’s Book Market with Exeter City of Literature. The Book Market is such an important date in the literary calendar in the South West, bringing local readers, independent book shops and authors together in the striking setting of Exeter Cathedral. Promoting a love of reading and books in this vibrant and accessible way is key to bringing literature alive for readers across the area.”
Anna Cohn Orchard, Exeter City of Literature’s Executive Director, established The Book Market in 2021 and it has since become an annual event that attracts over 800 attendees each year. “This is my favourite City of Lit day of the year,” she says. “Watching people discover an indie bookshop that they never would’ve found otherwise or sit down with a book they were just recommended from one of our trainee bibliotherapists shows how fulfilling books can be in our lives. My team works so hard throughout the year to create this incredible day for people, and the city deserves it. Exeter is truly a city of readers and this event celebrates what makes Exeter special.”
2024 marks Exeter’s fifth year as a UNESCO-designated City of Literature. The charity is celebrating with its biggest Book Market ever, their City Reads campaign to find Exeter’s favourite book (with a special voting book at The Book Market), and a number of smaller initiatives throughout the year.
