Chris Kohler – Phantom Limb
WithChris Kohler
In conversation withCalum Barnes
On:1st August 2024, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
![Chris Kohler – Phantom Limb at The Portobello Bookshop](https://cdn.theportobellobookshop.com/img/event--595845.png?p=in-house)
We're thrilled to welcome Chris Kohler to the bookshop to discuss his debut novel, Phantom Limb. It's a wild, funny, holy relic of a novel about the creation myths of Scotland and the colossal loss of faith and meaning of modern society. Kohler will be in conversation with writer and bookseller Calum Barnes.
This event will take place in the bookshop with an in-person audience. There will be a signing after the event.
Vouchers can be redeemed on the night of the event against a single copy of Phantom Limb – we will have a list of attendees with vouchers to be redeemed. Please note that only one voucher can be redeemed per book.
About Phantom Limb:
One evening, Gillis - a young Scottish minister who technically doesn't believe in god - falls into a hole left by a recently dug up elm tree and discovers an ancient disembodied hand in the soil. He's about to rebury it when the hand... beckons to him. He spirits it back to his manse and gives it pen and paper, whereupon it begins to doodle scratchy and anarchic visions.
Somewhere, in the hand's deep history, there lies a story of the Scottish reformation, of art and violence, and of its owner long since dead. But for Gillis, there lies only opportunity: to reinvent himself as a prophet, proclaim the hand a miracle and use it for reasons both sacred and profane... to impress his ex-girlfriend, and to lead himself and his country out of inertia and into a dynamic, glorious future.
Phantom Limb is the spiritual counterpart to novels such as Nicola Barker's Darkmans, Kevin Barry's Beatlebone and Benjamin Myers's Cuddy and the stunning baptism of a new, original writer, Chris Kohler.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Chris Kohler Author
Chris Kohler is from Glasgow. His short stories have been published in 3AM, Egress, The Stinging Fly, The Moth, Gutter, Dark Mountain and Minor Literatures. He was shortlisted for the VS Pritchett Short Story Prize 2023. Phantom Limb is his debut novel.
Calum Barnes Chair
Calum Barnes is a writer and bookseller based in Edinburgh. His writing has appeared in Tribune, The Quietus, and 3AM Magazine.
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.