The Common Press is delighted to host the book launch of Test Kitchen by Neil D. A. Steward on Thursday, 3rd June from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Join us for an evening of reading and lively conversation as Neil D. A. Stewart discusses his bold and brilliant new novel with Lauren Beukes.
Gripping, darkly comedic, and razor-sharp, Test Kitchen plunges readers into the high-stakes world of Midgard, a Michelin-starred restaurant teetering on the edge of chaos. Over the course of one fateful night at Midgard, secrets simmer and tensions boil: a maître d’ ensnared in conspiracy, a vengeful foodie, a crumbling sous chef, a haunted patisserie chef, and a critic poised to strike. At the heart of it all stands Marley, a waitress powerless to stop the unraveling.
Expect great conversation, and the chance to celebrate Neil's novel in good company.
Phenomenal – a mad, magical, ten-course feast of a novel… gorgeously written, totally original, packed with ideas and invention.” – Paul Murray, author of The Bee Sting
An amazing novel . . . Veering from humorous to horrifying, Test Kitchen shows real insight into the mildly unhinged nature of both high-end restaurants and their diners – with wit, lyricism and a killer turn of phrase- Marina O’Loughlin
About Neil D.A Stewart
Neil D. A. Stewart is a British author and critic known for his inventive approach to storytelling. His work delves into themes of identity, power, obsession, and the human condition, often exploring the darker sides of contemporary life with a blend of dark humor, lyrical prose, and sharp observation. Stewart's writing has garnered praise for its originality and ambition, with his latest novel, Test Kitchen, earning widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and complex characters.
When not writing, Neil is an avid reader and lover of food, often drawing inspiration from the world of fine dining and its intricate dynamics. He currently resides in London, where he continues to craft stories that challenge the boundaries of genre and expectation. Test Kitchen is his second novel.
A gorgeous tasting menu of a novel, a glittering mystery as sharp as a paring knife and as artfully constructed as its fictional restaurant. Like the best fine dining experience, Test Kitchen is beautiful, satisfying and ultimately surprising - Lauren Beukes, author of The Shining Girls
About Lauren Beukes
Lauren Beukes is the internationally best-selling genre-bending author of six novels, including Zoo City, winner of the Arthur C Clarke Award, and The Shining Girls, now a major AppleTV show with Elisabeth Moss. She also writes comics, short stories and TV shows and directed an award-winning documentary. A former tech and culture journalist in her native South Africa, she’s given keynote talks at festivals and conferences around the world from The Royal Society to Design Indaba. Her work, which uses high concept twists to explore current social issues, has won multiple awards and has been translated into 26 languages around the world. She’s a champion of African arts and creators and raised hundreds of thousands of Rands for South African charities with bespoke art shows inspired by her novels.
- Doors open at 7 pm with complimentary drinks (limited)
- Discussion from 7:15 pm - 8 pm
- Signings and social from 8 pm - 9 pm.