Exciting news for readers! We’re announcing a second session of a Reading group led by Jo Hislop – Lanny – which takes place on 13th of April, from 4.30-6pm at Publics. April Reading session focuses on and around Lanny – a novel by Max Porter written in 2019, captivating and unsettling, describing the human experience with beautiful honesty and silliness. In the novel we are introduced to the character Dead Papa Toothwort without explanation or apology. This being, although non-human, has a bodyline, drawing us in through textural and moist descriptions. Toothwort’s relation to overheard human conversations oozes with energy and touch. Lanny gives us an outsider perspective of human behaviour that highlights its hilarity and ridicules its existence.

Continuing its path, Reading group, co-initiated and led by Jo Hislop, is a part of Publics Library programme and monthly chance to meet informally, read and collectively discuss topics that arise from the selected text-based work. In order to get a PDF copy of the selected publication in advance, send an email to info@publics.fi. Welcome!

Max Porter (born 1981) is an English writer, formerly a bookseller and editor. He has published two novels, Grief is the Thing with Feathers and Lanny. He was Editorial Director at Granta and Portobello Books until 2019.

Jo Hislop is an artist and producer working across photography, film and writing. Her work explores the nuances and intricacies of sensorial and bodily experience. Originally from the North of England, she is currently based in Helsinki, where she is completing a Masters in Photography at Aalto University.