The Ritual Book-signing

It's a sign of how hectic the last few days have been that, posting a few days after events, I've already got totally confused as to who we've seen each day. I originally posted about Kübra Gümüşay on yesterday's blip rather than today, when it was actually John Crace who we heard then. That's probably why it's a good idea to make more of an effort to blip on the day but I struggle to find the time and energy to do that in the evenings. I do, however, want to record the events that made the most impression.

Kübra was interviewed by translator Sophie Hughes. From the program notes: Kübra Gümüşay is an award-winning author and activist from Germany. In her bestselling book Speaking and Being she examines how language dictates politics and shapes the way we think. Language opens up our world, and in the same instant, limits it. What does it mean to exist in a language that was never meant for you to speak? It was totally fascinating and Kübra was a wonderful speaker. Her book was sold out later in the day but this is one I will definitely be adding to the pile, teetering or not.

We then moved over to watch a recording of Ian McMillen present his The Verb radio show in the Marquee. His guests included Jennifer Egan, talking about her latest novel. Ian was very impressive. Sitting out in the cold, it was incredible to witness the skill involved in moving the show forward and keeping us all entertained. He's so warm and quick-witted. And very funny. It was a great event.

E and I then had a few hours to wander around Hay and the surrounding area, another short walk that ended up being much longer than intended. E has learned to be prepared for that now. The feature of the week is the weather feeling warm when the sun's out but distinctly chilly when it's not. We found some chairs around a table in the bookshop to do some reading and writing and people-watching. It was fascinating to watch the book signings from behind, the punters taking their moment (sometimes a very long moment, especially for those waiting in the queue) with the writer.

We didn't see David Harewood in conversation with Stephen Fry but from the warmth and the tears of those who talked to him I think it must have been an engaging and compelling event.

Our day was completed with some lovely random conversations in the food tent and a concert by the wonderful Penguin Cafe.