Alexander Chee is variously described as “masterful” (Roxane Gay), “incendiary” (The New York Times) and “brilliant” (The Washington Post). Author of the novels Edinburgh and Queen of the Night, he has now written the essay collection How To Write An Autobiographical Novel – shortlisted for the PEN Diamonstein-Vogel Prize for the Art of the Essay. In it he scrutinises the emotional and psychological events of his life, and examines the versions of himself – son, subject of sexual abuse, gay man, Korean-American, artist, activist, lover, and friend. He also gives advice on keeping the rent low and the employment flexible. In conversation with Sasha de Buyl. Supported by Platinum Patrons Peter Macky & Yuri Opeshko.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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