8 April 2005
Amstelkerk

Although a prolific –and multifaceted – writer, Deborah Moggach is perhaps synonymous with her bestselling novel Tulip Fever. She has however, written 15 novels, two collections of short stories and done various stints in journalism. She's also co-written the screenplay for a new film version of Pride & Prejudice, due out later this year. It stars Kiera Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy... Additionally, Moggach also received an Honorary Degree at Bristol University in February of this year.

For this evening she will be talking about Tulip Fever, as well as introducing her latest novel These Foolish Things – a black comedy about old age – published February 2005. It's set in Bangalore, city of call centres and – in her story – a retirement hotel called Dunroamin. Moggach is shortly starting work on a film adaptation of the These Foolish Things. Following the talk, Moggach will answer questions from the audience and sign copies of her book.

The event has been organised in collaboration with Waterstone's Booksellers who will be selling copies of Tulip Fever and These Foolish Things.

Reserve tickets online at www.britlit.info

TULIP FEVER
17th-century Amsterdam, a city in the grip of tulip mania and basking in the wealth it has generated. Cornelis, an ageing merchant, commissions a talented young painter to preserve his status and marriage on canvas. At the sittings, as a collector of beautfiul things, Cornelis surrounds himself with symbols of his success, including his young wife, Sophia. But as the portrait grows, so does the passion between Sophia and the artist; and as ambitions, desires and dreasm breed an intricate deception, their reckless gamble propels their lives towards a thrilling and tragic conclusion...

The Times
'A sumptuous and enthralling novel about art, love, illusion and money...' [with] the dénouement of a classic.'

Harpers & Queen
'A byzantine plot that hurtles towards disaster, while retaining the polished veneer of a Dutch interior.'

Independent on Sunday
'Beautifully written... with a featherlight touch, Moggach keeps the tension at fever pitch until the final hilarious – and entirely unexpected – climax.'

THESE FOOLISH THINGS
When Ravi Kapoor, an over-worked London doctor, is driven beyond endurance by his disgusting and difficult father-in-law, he asks his wife: 'Can't we just send him away somewhere? Somewhere far, far away.' His prayer seems to have been answered when his entrepreneurial cousin, Sonny, sets up a retirement home, recreating a lost corner of England in a converted guesthouse in Bangalore. Travel and set-up are inexpensive, staff willing and plentiful - and the British pensioners can enjoy the hot weather and take mango juice with their gin. These Foolish Things is a brilliant comedy of manners, mixing acute observation with a deeper message about how different cultures cope in the modern world.

Sunday Telegraph
'She writes beautifully, as always, and the phrase-making is as good as the characterisation... brilliant!'