Fiction Reading: Sharon Leach and Kei Miller

Kei Miller reads from his work.
Leach’s reading was prefaced by the promise of impending violence, and for the entire time she read, I was poised for the rupture to come… she ended her reading on a high note, on a “rush out to the library atrium and buy this book immediately” sort of note. Miller’s reading was no less spellbinding, as he favoured the audience with a sneak preview of his work in progress novella, entitled The Rather Raunchy Obituary of Everton Campbell. If the title alone isn’t enough to convince you, I hope you were at the reading – the prose I heard was bitingly intelligent, delightfully tongue in cheek, scathingly funny. Here’s one line that lingered:
“Despite the promises of red-haired nurses, life is no one’s destiny.”

Sharon Leach responds to a question from the moderator.
I think that most of these author reading sessions will leave you with the distinct impression that you mustown the works you’ve heard, and I can’t blame you. I’m trying to rationalize buying ALL the titles on display at the various booksellers’ tables, myself. Both Leach and Miller’s works are, of course, available for purchase, and will be throughout the festival’s duration, so treat yourself to a copy or two (or three!)
Photos by Rodell Warner, our official 2012 Festival photographer.