Zadie Smith among authors letting public bid to name new characters for charity auction
Summary
Authors like Margaret Atwood and Zadie Smith are auctioning the chance to name characters in their next books to raise money for survivors of torture. The event is part of Freedom from Torture’s 10th anniversary festival, which includes readings, a poetry contest, and other charity activities to support torture survivors and highlight their stories.Key Facts
- Over 75 writers, poets, and artists support the Freedom from Torture festival in London on November 11.
- Readers can bid to name characters in new novels by famous authors, including Ian McEwan and Tracy Chevalier.
- The festival features a poetry competition judged by Booker Prize winner Alan Hollinghurst and poet Rachael Allen.
- Survivors of torture from the Write to Life group will perform their own writing at the festival.
- The charity is concerned that changes to asylum laws in Britain and Europe could harm torture survivors by forcing them to return to dangerous countries.
- Tracy Chevalier shared how naming characters in auctions has connected her with readers and supports the charity’s work.
- The festival aims to give survivors control over their stories and the chance to express themselves through writing.
- The event also includes original artwork and prize packages to raise funds.
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