Join us on Monday 29th June for a conversation between Gab Torr and Jake Hall about Gab's excellent new novel Hard Place. It's a hilarious, tender and nuanced snapshot of young queer life today, a brilliantly well-observed ride through breakups, dysfunctional families, and, of course, the flatshare.
About the book:
For years, Billy’s decisions have been made for her by long-term girlfriend Rose, leaving her free not to think for – or about – herself. But when they break up and Billy is left without anywhere to live, she’s forced to take up an unappealing but affordable SpareRoom ad. Her new flatmates, Sid and Rhoda, are the kinds of people who talk very seriously about taking accountability, adhering to the flat’s community guidelines and holding space for one another. Meals are communal by force, polyamory is assumed, and whatever the problem, capitalism’s usually to blame. Yes, Rhoda’s parents own the flat, but that doesn’t matter: they’re unapologetically political and loudly queer, and slowly Billy becomes enmeshed in their radical, vulnerable world. But as Billy’s past starts to catch up with her, and all of their boundaries begin to crumble, each of them must reckon with what they truly stand for – and what they’ll sacrifice to hold onto it.
About the authors:
Gab Torr is a 2021 London Writers Award winner and the debut author of Hard Place. Gab lives in Sheffield with their wife and no pets.
Gab will be in conversation with Jake Hall, author of The Art of Drag and Shoulder to Shoulder, a history of queer solidarity movements shortlisted for the 2025 Bread and Roses Prize.
Event rundown:
6pm: Doors open. There'll be enough unreserved seating for everyone, so come grab one and make yourself comfortable.
6:30pm: We'll begin the conversation.
7.15pm: Open up for audience questions.
7:30pm: Gab will stick around to sign copies of their book, the shop will remain open for browsing and chatting.
***Please note the change of venue to City of Sanctuary, 37-39 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD, the start time remains the same***