Book Lovers

From occult author Duncan Barford comes The Going Down, a compelling and haunting esoteric novel about friendship, relationships, and the power of the underworld to heal. When longtime friends Bailey and Steve perform a final ritual in a house they once shared, the dead and the underworld haunt their lives and challenge their friendship. And when Steve's girlfriend is drawn in, a dark secret binding Bailey finally comes to light. Expertly written, *The Going Down* is not just a work of beautiful fiction but also a transformative work of magical dreaming. “The Going Down is more than a novel: it is a necromantic spell, a feat of psychic surgery performed on a civilization, a bold affirmation of a world that enchantment never lost. Not “magic realism,” but the magic of the real, in prose as clear as ice, the better to see the depths beneath.” —J.F. Martel, author of Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice and co-host of the Weird Studies podcast.

We will be at the Alternative Book Fair on Thursday 9th April to see the brilliant Natasha Brown speak on Creative Marketing for Books. Tickets are free and bookable from the Alternative Book Fair website, but there will be walk-in availability too. We'll then be going to the The Lamb pub next door for a social. Everyone is welcome! Here's what Natasha will be speaking on: In this special session for the Alternative Book Fair, Booker Prize-longlisted and Granta Best of British Young Novelists author Natasha Brown speaks about the creative marketing strategies behind her novel Universality. Moving beyond traditional publicity, Natasha developed a suite of unconventional, in-world promotional materials — including a fictional magazine, an investigation board, and bespoke social media and podcast assets — all created on a shoestring budget and without the use of AI! ####

We will be at the Alternative Book Fair on Thursday 9th April to see the brilliant Natasha Brown speak on Creative Marketing for Books. Tickets are free and bookable from the Alternative Book Fair website, but there will be walk-in availability too. We'll then be going to the The Lamb pub next door for a social. Everyone is welcome! Here's what Natasha will be speaking on: In this special session for the Alternative Book Fair, Booker Prize-longlisted and Granta Best of British Young Novelists author Natasha Brown speaks about the creative marketing strategies behind her novel Universality. Moving beyond traditional publicity, Natasha developed a suite of unconventional, in-world promotional materials — including a fictional magazine, an investigation board, and bespoke social media and podcast assets — all created on a shoestring budget and without the use of AI!

Welcome back to *No, Really: What Is to be Done?*, our deep-dive series on Lenin, Leninism, and the theory of the revolutionary party. You may be wondering when and if we're ever actually going to read WITBD itself, the actual text. Rest assured we will. For now, we're going to keep on psyching ourselves up with another one of the foundational documents of Leninism, one which feels grimly relevant right now: *Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism.* Find the text here: [https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/) Feel free to read as much as you like, but we'll focus on the **Preface and Chapters 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8. These are:** [I. CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND MONOPOLIES](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch01.htm) [III. FINANCE CAPITAL AND THE FINANCIAL OLIGARCHY](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch03.htm) [VI. DIVISION OF THE WORLD AMONG THE GREAT POWERS](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch06.htm) [VII. IMPERIALISM AS A SPECIAL STAGE OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch07.htm) [VIII. PARASITISM AND DECAY OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch08.htm) It's often claimed that Lenin's identification of imperialism as capitalism's "highest stage" is a textbook example of Marxist hubris. How can capitalism have reached its highest stage in the year 1916, when Lenin was writing? Surely technofeudalism, or neocolonialism, or monopoly corporatism - take your pick - represents a higher stage? Without giving too much away, let's say this much, at least by way of starting a debate: the confronting truth is that capitalism did indeed reach its highest stage with the exact kind of monopolist, oligarchic, feudalistic (when *Imperialism* was published, literal crowned heads still ruled much of Europe by decree), militarised imperialism Lenin describes in this work. If that suggests that nothing has really changed in the 100+ years since, except perhaps to get worse, it's because nothing has. A century of "progress" and we haven't progressed at all. Still wage slaves, still debt peons, still cattle for a rapist ruling class. And it all still runs on the blood and oil of the Global South. So let's not kid ourselves: *Imperialism* is as relevant today as when it was written. Don't believe me? Join us and see for yourself! We'll discuss Lenin's framework of analysis, his concrete conclusions and strategic recommendations and break down whether we think these insights are applicable to our times in all their brutality. Take care and happy reading! \-\-\-\- A bit about the *NRWITBD* series: [Fade in] The year is 2026. Picture this: industrial-scale war on multiple continents. Cities in ruins, millions dead and millions more made refugees - starvation, disease, mutilations, deportations, pogroms, genocides, dispossessions. Across every land, a working class on its knees before an ever-shrinking class of oligarchs with an ever-growing pile of treasure, weapons and slaves - determined to pit brother against brother in endless wars for resources that can only end when the whole earth is a toxic wasteland. And what they call "peace" is not much better. This is the brutal present, a [Second Gilded Age,](https://fortune.com/article/gilded-age-coming-back-layoffs-pay-inequality-labor-unions-ceos-billionaires-worker-pay/) but we could travel back a hundred years and describe more or less the exact same scene. In the century since Lenin lived and walked the earth, less has changed than the eternal optimists - Panglossian techno-liberals like Steven Pinker and the other intellectuals of the Epstein class - would like us to think. Really, we're back where it all began in the *First* Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th century: on the outside looking in, asking the age-old question: what is to be done? Things are really getting quite bad. No, really - what is to be done!!? In our gatherings of late, we've been tinkering around the edges of a few answers. Prior Lenin readings as well as our exploration of the Yan'an Forum and our whistle-stop tour through the last twenty years of street protests with Vincent Bevins have given us some things to chew on. Now there's been a clamour from plenty of regulars, as well as a few newcomers, that we continue to pull at the vital thread that seems to be running through all our discussions and see where it might lead us: namely, the revolutionary theories of Lenin. This will be a series of readings running every other Thursday night in Whitechapel. With *No, Really: What is to be done?,* we'll be taking a deep dive into revolutionary Marxism with a read-through of texts like Lars Lih's *Lenin rediscovered: what is to be done? in Context,* non-standard biographies like Carter Ellwood's *Non-Geometric Lenin: Essays on the Development of the Bolshevik Party 1910-1914* as well as some articles, essays and discussion prompts which most readers likely won't have encountered before.

Make sure to **Pre-book** your ticket through [our website](www.ontherocksbarcrawl.com/london/book-now) We're rated number 1 for nightlife on TripAdvisor in Brighton and Barcelona, and 12th in London so you know you'll have a great time ◡̈ People come from LOTS of other channels so please ignore the meetup RSVP number ◡̈ Whether you're new to London or just expanding your social circle, bar crawling is a fantastic way to meet people! Every day our crawl is full of lively people who are just there to meet new friends and have a good time. Guides will take you to at least 5 great bars and clubs in the centre of London. The guides make sure to make everyone feel included, encourage mixing within the group and introduce everyone. This makes it a great activity whether you come alone or with friends. We hope to meet you soon :) INFO: exact meeting point shared once you purchase a ticket (prices vary depending on when you book but start at £19.50) Included is : \- Entry to four bars and a club \- A free shot at each bar \- exclusive reduced drink deals at every venue \- access to the photos that we take with our big fancy camera BRING ID! 18+ years old only (Sorry, it's the law :/ ) Make sure to bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport, other forms of ID (including photocopies of the above) are unlikely to be accepted by the venues that we visit. Make sure to bring ID no matter your age. \*\*\*Please note: Due to previous bad experiences, we are unfortunately no longer able to accept stag/hen dos (or same-sex groups of more than 9) on our main crawl. To book a private crawl with us, please contact london@ontherocksbarcrawl.com\*\*\* Ts&Cs apply: [https://ontherocksbarcrawl.com/brighton/terms-and-conditions/](https://ontherocksbarcrawl.com/brighton/terms-and-conditions/)

**\*\*THIS IS NOT A FREE EVENT & RSVP ON MEET UP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY\*\*** **TO ATTEND THIS EVENT A TICKET MUST BE PURCHSED FROM OUR WEBSITE. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A TICKET:** [Speed Dating at Be At One, Shoreditch (Ages 23-35) – Thursday, 9th Apr 2026 | True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/events/shoreditch-speed-dating-9-apr-2026) Join [True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/), London's #No 1 speed dating and singles party host! With a track record of hosting hundreds of successful events all across London, we've helped thousands of people find their perfect match. **But what exactly is speed dating?** It's simple yet effective: You'll have the opportunity to meet up to 15 potential dates, with each mini-date lasting around five minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to gauge if there's a connection. Ladies remain seated while gentlemen rotate, ensuring you meet a variety of interesting individuals. Our events primarily attract working professionals who are tired of the endless swiping and are seeking something meaningful and long-term. At True Dating, you can enjoy a friendly and secure atmosphere knowing that everyone is single and looking for the same thing—love! The day after the event, you can log in to enter your matches and potentially set up a second date using our secure messaging service. **Please remember to enter your matches before 4pm as this is when the matching system closes.** And here's the reality check: In a bustling city like London, where everyone leads busy lives and dating options seem endless, finding the right person can be challenging. That's why our events are designed to increase your chances of meeting someone special who shares your goals and aspirations. Contrary to popular belief, speed dating events are not weird or creepy. They've become increasingly popular as a refreshing alternative to online dating. **What can you expect at our events?** \- Diverse attendees at each event \- Officially signed\-up participants \- Equal ratio of men to women \- Friendly hosts to facilitate introductions **Don't miss out—register now for our next event! Spaces are limited, and our events often sell out fast.** We have years of experience organizing successful dating events and creating meaningful connections. We're so confident that you'll find someone worth meeting again that if you don't, your next event is on us! It's time to stop swiping and start dating in real life with True Dating. Join us for an unforgettable experience! **Important details:** Look out for an email from True Dating on the day of the event for account details. Event starts at 7:30 pm with a reserved area for True Dating attendees. Venue closes at 1 am. *Stop Swiping. Start Dating*.

[Follow this link to get your ticket ASAP](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exhibition-viewing-and-curators-tours-saturday-opening-repeat-tickets-1976713996776) Join us for an in depth look at the exhibition Guildhall Library 600 where the curator will share the stories of the objects in the exhibition including their oldest book, medieval manuscripts, early printed books as well as Victorian and modern publications and why they were chosen for this exhibition. Followed by social at a nearby cafe. See comments below for updates.

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Join us for a cozy evening of books and conversation. 🗓 Tuesday\, May 12 \| 6:30 p\.m\. Hilliard Branch \| 4500 Hickory Chase Way Schedule 6:00 p.m. – Book sale opens 6:30 p.m. – Author talk 7:15 p.m. – Audience Q&A 7:30 p.m. – Book signing It’s a great chance to pick up a new book, hear an author’s perspective, and share the experience with a community of readers.

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

We’ll be having a game night! Bring a game, snack, drink or just yourself!