Sex, Shame and Death with David Whyte
Join David Whyte on a book tour celebrating the publication of Consolations II
WithDavid Whyte
In conversation withChitra Ramaswamy
On:5th November 2024, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
We're looking forward to welcoming poet and philosopher David Whyte to the bookshop for an event to celebrate the publication of Consolations II: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. Whyte will be in conversation with journalist and author Chitra Ramaswamy.
Following on from Consolations, David Whyte’s beloved collection of essays that unpacks aspects of being human, Consolations II explores the underlying meaning of 52 everyday words and invites readers to think more deeply about language and the choices that influence our lives.
Running from the seemingly mundane through to the taboo, and on subjects that loom impossibly large, David offers reflections, solace and meaning through powerful words ranging from ‘Old to ‘Echo’ from ‘Routine’ to ‘Burnout’ as well as ‘Sex’, ‘Shame’ and ‘Death’, David boldly reinterprets each of them, fully embracing their complexity, never shying away from paradox in his search for deeper meaning. In the vein of Rick Rubin's The Creative Act, Richard Temple's Rules for Life, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, Consolations II is a revelatory read to reorientate your life which invites readers into a poetic and thoughtful consideration of words whose meaning and interpretation influence the paths we choose and the way we traverse them throughout our lives.
This event will take place in the bookshop with an in-person audience, as well as a livestream for attendees watching from home. There will be a signing after the event.
In-person vouchers can be redeemed on the night of the event against a single copy of Consolations II – we will have a list of attendees with vouchers to be redeemed. Please note that only one voucher can be redeemed per book. Livestream vouchers are valid until the day after the event and can be redeemed on the website against a single copy of Consolations II.
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:
David Whyte Author
David Whyte grew up with a strong, imaginative influence from his Irish mother among the hills and valleys of his father’s Yorkshire. He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The internationally acclaimed author of twelve books of poetry and four books of prose, David Whyte holds a degree in Marine Zoology and has travelled extensively, including living and working as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands and leading expeditions in the Andes, Amazon and Himalaya. He brings this wealth of experience to his poetry, lectures and workshops, often delivering seminars on corporate development and conversational leadership for international companies. He is the recipient of two honorary degrees: from Neumann College in Pennsylvania and Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.
Chitra Ramaswamy Chair
Chitra Ramaswamy is a journalist and author from London. Her latest book, Homelands: The History of a Friendship (Canongate) is a work of creative non-fiction exploring her friendship with a 99-year-old German Jewish refugee called Henry Wuga. It won the Saltire Non-Fiction Book of the Year and was included in The Guardian’s top memoirs and biographies of 2022. Her first book, Expecting: The Inner Life of Pregnancy (Saraband) won the Saltire First Book of the Year Award and was shortlisted for the Polari Prize. She has contributed essays to Antlers of Water, Nasty Women, The Freedom Papers, The Bi:ble, and Message From The Skies and recently completed a commission from the Alasdair Gray Archive. She is a freelance writer for The Guardian, the restaurant critic for The Times Scotland, and broadcasts for BBC radio. She lives in Edinburgh with her partner, two children, and rescue dog.
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.