W London library
I’m tempted to swing by Leicester Sq to check out the new library at the W London hotel, which opened a few weeks ago. Journalist Damian Barr curated the collection of 100 books by asking 10 writers to recommended 10 books each – all are inscribed with a handwritten introduction by the authors, explaining why they made their choice. You can also sit and read in the (W)riter’s Library with a cocktail – an idea I can really get behind. That’s not the kind of behaviour my local library really endorses, although I appreciate that I still have a local library at all.
As for the line up of writers at the W – Bret Easton Ellis, David Nicholls, Geoff Dyer, Jake Arnott, Alex Preston Naomi Alderman, Ned Beauman, Craig Taylor, Hephzibah Anderson and Sloane Crosley – I’ve read the work of one of them, which makes me feel poorly read and not in a position to judge. I’m still more than happy to point out what irks me about it though: That list includes just two female authors. Would it have killed to try and even out the balance Damien Barr?
Allow me to point you in the direction of inspiration. Some limited edition Virago books that Mr MFH bought me one Christmas, each one by a female author and introduced by female personalities in the arts – including Julie Burchill and Ali Smith (each book also has a jacket cover based on work by female artists and designers from past and present, including Lucien Day).
My favourite read of all was Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, which was made even more powerful by Zadie Smith’s heartfelt introduction.
W Hotel, take note and up your female contributors. The campaign starts here.
If Ned Beauman’s Boxer Beetle isn’t the one you’ve read from that list of authors, I can heartily recommend it. My local Library (Camden) has it so hopefulyl yours will too!
Thanks so much for the tip, I’ll check it out.