This month, Lagos will host one of its main literary events of the year in the Algarve. The 13th edition of the town’s Book Fair (Mostra de Livros) will take place between September 17-30 at the refurbished Armazém Regimental at the Praça do Infante in Lagos.
Books by local authors will be for sale during the fair from 2pm to 11pm. Everyone is invited to browse and, of course, buy copies. The main highlights occur each evening with book presentations, poetry readings, music and entertainment.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet an illustrious line-up of authors from the foreign community on two separate evenings. Coming from diverse backgrounds, they offer readers a kaleidoscope of experiences and flights of the imagination. Each author will do a short presentation and afterwards will sign books.
Five authors will kick off on Wednesday, September 22, at 7pm. Long-standing author Lisa Selvidge will demonstrate her mastery of storytelling, presenting the first book in her Magic Campervan series. John Reid will entice the audience with his recently launched thriller, The Revenge (the eighth in the series), where DCI Steve Burt is solving his latest intriguing case.
Barry Harris and his alter ego, Finbar Hanaghan, will present the recently launched book of poems and short stories, As I Rhymember It! The witty collection is bound to amuse and captivate readers. Peter Giacomini’s epic biography The Cardboard Suitcase tells a tale many lack the courage to write. His adventures as a hotelier around the world make for a compelling read. To conclude the evening, Lena Strang will discuss her collection of real-life stories in Touching Lives and Crossing Cultures. The books are veritable treasure troves of stories, capturing the essence of the Algarve.
And there is more. Another six authors will present their books on Friday, September 27 at 7pm. Prolific writer Alyson Sheldrake will talk about her three books in the captivating series of Algarve Dreams and her bestseller, Kat the Dog. Author and health coach Emma Kirkham, specialising in women’s hormonal health, will present her two books in the series Hormone Hell to Hormone Harmony.
A former journalist for Reuters, Stephen Powell, will outline his learning from a lifetime of travel. His recent book Walking Europe’s Edge, Reflection on Portugal, captures his remarkable experiences of walking the length of the country.
Ann McGarry’s book Power of W encapsulates her passion for developing human potential and encouraging women – and men – to make the most of living in the Third Act of life. Poet and translator Sarah Greenwood will present her translation of the play The Door Closed and the House was Small by Quarteira-born playwright Ricardo Neves.
Finally, Peter Cain has something completely different to offer. He will present his graphic story books, PJ Squadron and Exploring the World through Colouring.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be available.