The Two Roberts is one of our favourite novels of the year, and an extraordinary achievement for author Damian Barr.

We’re thrilled to have Damian celebrating publication with an event at The Star Inn, Alfriston on Sunday 31 August.

The novel is based on the lives of Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun - The Two Roberts, as they became known at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1930s.

Damian’s book packs in so much and feels so true to the time and people – the challenge of leaving small rural villages for the city; the recognition of passion and love at a time men were not allowed to be public with their emotions; the passion for creating and the drive to make great art; the temptations to excess and the downward spiral that followed tremendous success.

The book is charming and funny and sweet – as well as charged with the knowledge of the couple’s eventual fate.

The research Damian did was extraordinary, and thanks to him the gallery at Charleston: Lewes will be hosting an astonishing exhibit of work by MacBryde and Colquhoun, whose reputations have undeservedly been eclipsed.

Join Damian to hear the fascinating story, from discovering the extraordinary work of the Scottish artists to piecing together their lives and careers to creating a vivid novel about lives lived passionately and courageously, if not wisely. Damian will be speaking from 3pm in The Star’s first-floor event room on Sunday 31 August.

Tickets cost £6. You may opt to collect them from the shop, or have us post them for £1.75 (you’ll be able to choose during the check-out process). We’ll offer copies of The Two Roberts at a 20% discount at the event, or in advance to ticket holders if we can secure them early enough!