Elif Shafak’s writing has always challenged norms and explored diverse voices, and inspired through the power of story. Her writing reflects a deep spiritual wisdom and in this lecture she speaks about the beliefs she stands for, why she writes and the stories she wants to tell as one of Turkey and Britain’s most famous and influential novelist.

Elif Shafak is a Turkish-British bestselling novelist, essayist, academic, and activist. She writes in both Turkish and English, and her work has been translated into over 50 languages. Shafak is best known for her novels, which often explore themes of identity, culture, history, and politics.  Drawing on Sufi mysticism and writing with a  great spiritual sensitivity and depth she emphasizes the importance of unlearning dogmas and embracing doubt as a healthy aspect of faith and understanding. Her work is inclusive, empathetic, and brilliantly creative- she challenges norms, and explores diverse voices.  Her unique narrative voice bridges cultures and highlights the unheard in captivating stories that defy easy categorization.

Some of her most acclaimed works include The Forty Rules of Love, Three Daughters of Eve, and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of speech, and she often incorporates these themes into her writing. Elif Shafak has been nominated for the Booker Prize several times and is a recipient of many literary awards.

This lecture is also being live-streamed. For livestream tickets, visit here.

The suggested price for tickets is £10 to cover our costs, but free tickets are also available so as not to exclude anyone who would like to come. All are welcome.