Readers – Books and Conversation with Lev Grossman

This August, we’re thrilled to welcome Lev Grossman, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Magicians trilogy, to discuss his bold and triumphant reimagining of the King Arthur legend: The Bright Sword.

Named a Book of the Year by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, Vulture, Esquire, Elle, NPR, Goodreads, and more, The Bright Sword is a breathtaking fantasy epic for a new era. Called “this year’s must-read novel” by Forbes and praised by authors from George R. R. Martin to Rebecca Yarros, it’s a work that “resoundingly earns its place among the best of Arthurian tales” (New York Times).

Set in the aftermath of King Arthur’s death, The Bright Sword follows gifted young knight Collum, who arrives at Camelot too late. With Arthur gone, only a ragtag handful of knights remain – outsiders like Sir Palomides, Sir Dagonet, and Merlin’s former apprentice, Nimue. As the old gods stir and Morgan le Fay returns, these unlikely heroes must reclaim Excalibur, unravel the mystery of Arthur’s fall, and try to restore a kingdom in ruins.

Lev Grossman – novelist, Time book critic, and author of Codex and The Magicians trilogy – brings a dazzling mix of wit, wonder, and emotional depth to this vivid tale of honour, myth, and magic.

Don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable evening of stories, legends, and conversation.

Celebrating books and readers, this is a monthly series of in-depth and relaxed conversations with authors about their latest work, and their body of work, their writing process and the ideas that inspire them.

Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator and curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, Michelle de Kretser, Amos Oz, Stan Grant, Holly Ringland & Etgar Keret. She's the curator of ABC RN’s on-air writers festival, Big Weekend of Books, now in its 4th year. In 2022 she was curator of International Author events for Brisbane Writers Festival. Michaela has conducted radio interviews for ABC RN’s The Music Show, Big Ideas & The Bookshelf, ABC Classic and has presented programs across ABC radio.

Berkelouw books Leichhardt will have copies of Diana's previous works for sale on the night and there will opportunities for signings.

Acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, on whose land we gather.