International Women’s Day takes place on Tuesday, March 8, and over at indie bookshop, Phlox Books, that day will mark a month-long celebration of women authors at a Connaught Village pop-up.
The entire month of March will be used to showcase women focused books and female authors, offering insight into the “female experience through literary form”.
On International Women’s Day, Connaught Village will host the first of these pop-up events with authors Abi Daré and Mona Arshi discussing their debut novels, in an evening complimented with wines from Connaught Cellars, along with an open discussion.
Abi Daré published the The Girl With The Louding Voice in 2020. It was longlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize, and tells the story of a teenage Nigerian girl growing up in Lagos struggling to afford education and experiencing poverty. It was named as a New York Times bestseller.
Mona Arshi will be discussing her debut Somebody Loves You (2021), which tells the story of a young girl who gives up speech as she grows up in the world and experiences struggles with family.
Throughout March, events will be curated by Phlox Books founder Aimée Madill, and each follow the structure of an open discussion between authors exploring themes of the female experience. Aimée founded the independent Leyton bookstore in 2017, and it runs by the mantra of “Books. Booze. Coffee”. The pop-ups at 12 Connaught Street will also operate as a bookshop, as well as a platform to for female authors through the events in March.
The first pop-up event from Phlox Books takes place on International Women’s Day (March 8). Entry is free, but you will need to register you spot here. You’ll find each pop-up at 12 Connaught Village (events will appear on the Connaught Village site).
You also can find Phlox Books at their usual spot, which is 159 Francis Rd, London E10 6NT (nearest station is Leytonstone High Street).