Characters, events and ideologies that have helped shape – and continue to shape – the modern world will be brought to life in a series of fascinating talks at this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
From unmasking spies to battlefield tales, wartime stories and how historical and ongoing clashes continue to define history, the four-day festival (3rd to 6th October 2024), based at Northwood House in Cowes, has it all covered.
Many of the subjects offer new insights into events and reflect contributions – though hitherto perhaps largely unseen or unacknowledged – nevertheless remain relevant to today’s uncertain world.
Soviet spy
Alex Grant reveals the true story of John Vassall, a civil servant who was unmasked as a Soviet spy in 1962. Grant shares this explosive tale of sexual violence, betrayal, cover-up, homophobia and hypocrisy that blows open some of the British establishment’s darkest secrets.
A true tale of murder
If you like your spy stories true to life and up to date, don’t miss Henry Hemming’s session.
Based on his book, Four Shots in the Dark, Hemming’s true tale is of the murder in 1986 of an undercover British agent who infiltrated the IRA and its repercussions.
Continuing the theme of the Irish ‘Troubles’ former MP Chris Mullins will speak on his acclaimed book Error of Judgement – the Truth About the Birmingham Bombings.
Unmasking spies within MI5, MI6 and the CIA
Voted the “experts’ expert by a panel of spy writers in The Observer, Nigel West recounts the molehunts which have led to the unmasking of spies within MI5, MI6 and the CIA and the identification of numerous others – some of whom were crucial to the Allied victory in the Second War and would have died without any public recognition if not for West’s work.
Martin Sixsmith’s story of heroism and betrayal
A chance encounter with Anna-Maria van der Vaart resulted in Martin Sixsmith’s story of heroism and betrayal in the Dutch resistance.
Martin will be speaking about his latest book My Sins Go With Me which is both a thrilling and tragic account of human nature at its best and worst.
If military history is your cup of tea, the Lieutenant General Sir Kiszely delves into his biography of General Hastings ‘Pug’ Ismay: Soldier Statesman, Diplomat.
General Ismay was Winston Churchill’s right-hand man before, during and after World War II and led a fascinating life in momentous times.
The formation of modern Europe and the modern Middle East will be the focus of the talk by acknowledged expert on the history of the Middle East and the Crusades, Lieutenant General Sir Simon Mayall KBE, CB.
The 1400-year-old schism between Sunni and Shia
Staying with the Middle East, Barnaby Rogerson reflects upon the 1400-year-old schism between Sunni and Shia.
Rogerson’s approach takes the modern chessboard of nation states and looks at each through its particular perspective of empires and occupiers, minorities and resources, sheikhs and imams.
Tickets for these and many other author sessions and events, are selling well so get yours:
- Online at iwlitfest.com
- In person at Kendalls Fine Art in Cowes
- By phone on 0333 666 3366
News shared by Gavin on behalf of Isle of Wight Literary Festival. Ed
