Romance Novels

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for March is **Brotherless Night** by **V. V. Ganeshananthan**. **Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction 2024** Sixteen-year-old Sashi wants to become a doctor. But over the next decade, as a vicious civil war tears through her hometown of Jaffna, her dream takes her on a different path as she sees those around her, including her four beloved brothers and their friend, get swept up in violent political ideologies and their consequences. Desperate to act, she must ask herself: is it possible for anyone to move through life without doing harm? Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

Check out what we do: https://youtu.be/HSf4QTQpLQ0 Dance West Coast Swing in Covent Garden on Tuesdays. Learn the partner dance taking Europe by storm. Come and join our already well established class night. Danced to a range of music from contemporary to blues, you can find a class in many of the major cities in Europe or America - so it's a great way to combine dance, travel and socialising. The first class is FREE if you've haven't danced West Coast Swing before. No experience, no partner, no problem! Only one trial night allowed per person. After this it's pay per night. It's best to wear flat shoes, other than that come as you are! Doors open at 7.20pm, come early to register and so you don't miss the start of the class. Beginners class starts 7.30pm sharp! Don't be late otherwise you will miss the fundamentals of the dance. Here is the Facebook event - https://fb.me/e/4qvQkkEeM If you would like to keep up to date with what's going on please like us on fb: https://www.facebook.com/swingacademyuk We also have the following classes: Thursday WCS Holborn - https://fb.me/e/3bdhSXHW7 \- Please do not attend any classes if you have any flu like symptoms or are generally feeling unwell \- Wash and sanitise your hands regularly \- Although face masks are not mandatory please feel free to wear one throughout the night if you wish \- Please be respectful of other people's choices

We are a group of writers of all kinds of work - novels, short stories, academic work, scripts, poetry, flash fiction, and more. We meet once a week, on Tuesday evenings, predominantly in order to write but also to talk about what we are working on. The standard format of the group is heads-down writing until around 1940, then whatever else anyone wants to do or talk about. Everyone is welcome, regardless of what you are writing. [The Brownswood](https://thebrownswood.co.uk) is a fantastic local pub, located close to Clissold Park/Highbury/Stoke Newington/Finsbury Park. It has a large - and quiet - upstairs area. Please grab something to drink/eat from the bar, and join us upstairs at 1800. [271 Green Lanes, London, N4 2EX](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Brownswood/@51.5639546,-0.0948438,608m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!3m8!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d51.5639546!4d-0.0926551!16s%2Fg%2F119x6mkyr?entry=ttu). * Tube: [Manor House](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Manor+House+Station,+Green+Lanes,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5675099,-0.099653,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b89bd91cc59:0x392f2396b4532b!2m2!1d-0.0965018!2d51.5711189!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) (Piccadilly line), [Finsbury Park](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Finsbury+Park+Station,+Station+Pl,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2DH/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5635898,-0.1044051,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b9b2b4d19dd:0xc061583facc2ae39!2m2!1d-0.1058553!2d51.5646425!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) (Piccadilly and Victoria lines) * Overground: [Canonbury](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Canonbury,+Wallace+Rd,+London+N1+2PG/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5563195,-0.1017644,2433m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c82f2cf823d:0x79587280293ef16!2m2!1d-0.0920922!2d51.5486853!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu), [Harringay Green Lanes](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Harringay+Green+Lanes,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5705266,-0.1058508,2432m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b8b3971e23f:0xef5cf25ed3f59caa!2m2!1d-0.0979994!2d51.5771902!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu), [Stoke Newington](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Stoke+Newington+railway+station,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5640471,-0.0930668,2432m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c67a8c80565:0xd116f4b1ef01e4e5!2m2!1d-0.07286!2d51.56523!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) * National Rail: [Finsbury Park](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Finsbury+Park+Station,+Station+Pl,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2DH/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5635898,-0.1044051,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b9b2b4d19dd:0xc061583facc2ae39!2m2!1d-0.1058553!2d51.5646425!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) * Bus routes: [106](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/106/), [141](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/141/), [341](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/341/?direction=inbound) * On-street cycle racks are located outside the pub. If you've any queries, you can message me through MeetUp - please don't contact the pub directly. I hope to see you soon, Adam.

New members welcome. We are a 4 part choir with a life-affirming, humanist focus. We're a friendly bunch, and the singers in your section will help you get started and feel welcome. New members will be able to borrow printed music. We do perform both formally and informally, and our varied repertoire supports this. For regular attendees, please print out your music, which is available in the [members section of our site](https://london.humanistchoir.org/groups/library/buddydrive/). If you need access, contact Laurence. ([members@london.humanistchoir.org](mailto:members@london.humanistchoir.org)). For more information see the [Join Us](https://london.humanistchoir.org/join/) page , or listen to the choir on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@LondonHumanistChoir). We always allow potential members to try us out for a couple of weeks. We do not hold auditions. By all means message with any queries. **Term Dates (6 a year) SPRING/SUMMER 2026** * THIS TERM - Tuesdays 24 February to 24 March inclusive * EASTER BREAK * NEXT TERM - Tuesday 14 April until 19 May * TERM AFTER THAT - 2 June to date to be determined Current repertoire: Yesterday (Beatles) Gold (from Once) Think About Things Obladi Oblada (Beatles) Too Sweet When the Earth Stands Still more to come

BOOK YOUR TICKET 👉🏼 [HERE](https://itsadate.club/event/speed-dating-in-kings-cross-23/). Just moments from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations, Drake & Morgan is a trendy, contemporary bar spread over two floors with a lively, eclectic crowd. Guests at this popular speed dating event will enjoy a large, private area as they meet each of their 15 dates. Plus, a fun and friendly *It’s a Date* host will keep the social energy flowing — we think this might just be the best speed dating event north of the river! Our host will be at the venue ready to welcome you at 19:30. Please arrive on time for registration, grab any drinks from the bar, and receive a summary of how things will work. You will be given an optional name sticker, a pen, and a note card to keep track of everyone you’ve met. Ladies will be seated on tables adequately spaced, discreetly numbered, and arranged in a comfortable area of the venue. When speed dating commences, gents will join ladies for 5-minute dates to get to know one another. Your host will notify all guests at the end of each date, signalling for gents to move to the next table in ascending numerical order. During table rotations, you will have a moment to record on note cards your feelings towards the previous date and intention to reconnect, for your reference only. Mid-way through the evening, your host will indicate a 15-minute comfort break to use the rest room, head to the bar, or socialise with new connections. Dating will then resume for the second half of the evening. At the end of the speed dating the bar will remain open for more socialising. You can then access the event listing in your dashboard to enter feedback on dates and await your matches. If you have any questions on the event or how things will work, please get in contact with James on 07517 065 492 or [james@itsadate.club](mailto:james@itsadate.club).

Bringing some creative joy into your week, whilst working on your fitness goals, nurturing your bodies, and connecting with yourself and others. Moving to some good music, releasing our bodies, and learning dances from our favourite music videos. Expect the 90s r&b classics, the old skool garage bangers, to the slow wine fast wine dancehall/afro beats, to today’s urban selection that have us learning viral dance routines. A space to learn and move at your own pace and for everyone to leave with some new steps to take into their next social event, party, or their Saturday cleaning session. (Beginner dance lessons no experience needed with a professional dancer with over a decade working as a performing artist and teacher)

In our weekday meeting for March, we will discuss *The First Bad Man* by Miranda July. The debut novel from the filmmaker, artist, and bestselling author is 'dazzling and unforgettable.' Published in 2015, it followed her award-winning collection of short stories, *No One Belongs Here More Than You* (2007), and Caméra d'Or winning feature-length debut, *Me and You and Everyone We Know* (2005). ''The first novel by the filmmaker and artist Miranda July is like one of those strange mythological creatures that are part one thing, part another - a griffin or a chimera, perhaps, or a sphinx . . . An immensely moving portrait of motherhood and what it means to take care of a child . . . July writes of Cheryl's discovery of maternal love with heartfelt emotion and power" -Michiko Kakutani, *New York Times* https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21412400-the-first-bad-man Our meeting will occur at Brasserie Blanc - Threadneedle St. So join us for some tasty French fair in the heart of the City as we delve into this fascinating read! N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

**A half-day gathering of embodiment & authentic connection in West London. Workshops, ecstatic dance sound journey & community social space.** **For booking and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1983612456254?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1983612456254?aff=oddtdtcreator) **CONNECTIVAL** **Connection, Emodiment, Ecstatic Dance & Community in the Heart of London** **📍 The Amadeus, Maida Vale, West London** **📅 Sunday 15 February** **⏰ 2:30pm–8:30pm** **🔞 18\+ \| Sober Event** **Why Connectival? And Why London Needs It** London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, yet many of us feel disconnected, overstimulated, and yearning for genuine human connection. Connectival, created and hosted by **Ecstatic Dance London** in collaboration with guest facilitators, is a response to that need. This gathering offers practical tools for connection that you can take into everyday life through movement, presence, and authentic conversation. These practices foster deeper relationships with yourself and with others, particularly in a fast-paced city environment. Connectival widens the idea of love beyond romance into something more human and sustainable. ***Connection, community, expression, presence, and belonging.*** Connectival is rooted in consent, inclusivity, embodied awareness, and respect for boundaries. This is a space to feel safe, welcome, and human. In a city that rarely slows down, Connectival is an invitation to pause, move, and reconnect with yourself and with others.

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/events/book-club/](http://www.thelcommunity.com/events/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)

**###PAYMENT INFO###** Update: as of May-2025, summer club night fee will be £12 a session We take contactless payments for sessions on the night. You can also make payments direct to the club account before the session using the details below. Amount: £12 Acc Name: NOMADS BADMINTON CLUB Acc: 50388668 Sort: 30 96 26 Reference: *your_name-session_date* We cannot accept cash. **###PAYMENT INFO###** We have 4 courts from 7pm to 9pm for friendly but competitive doubles and mixed doubles games, using feather shuttles. Shower/change room facilities are available. Water fountains are around the school, though we would recommend bringing your own water/juice in case they aren't working. After the session, many of us head to a local pub (Rythm & Booze, rebranding to The Woodpecker) for some well-deserved food and drinks. The pub is a stone's throw from the school towards Clapham Junction, however any of our regulars will be happy to show you the way. **RSVPs** We are often oversubscribed so RSVPs are mandatory. Please don't just show up unless one of the organisers has agreed to it. No shows or cancellations within 24 hrs will be charged in full unless their spot is taken by someone else. We reserve the right to turn away anyone who hasn’t signed up. **\*\* Please treat your first session with us as a trial to assess your playing level \*\*** **DIRECTIONS** Closest rail: Clapham Junction station, Grant Road exit. 15-18 min walk to St John Bosco Bus options: 319, 345, 344, 49 and 19 Parking is available in the school car park on Parkham St, please enter SW11 3DQ in your GPS system **IMPORTANT NOTE** You are responsible for your own wellbeing. Nomads Badminton Club or any management at St John Bosco is not responsible for any injuries, loss of items or otherwise. We look forward to seeing you there!

**This event is supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s [Local Partners Programme](https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/fund-your-event/).** **N.B.: this meeting will be held online via Google Meet. There is also an in-person session being held on Wednesday in the Prince of Wales pub near Covent Garden.** Our 2026 theme, 'Quest', takes a more inward turn this month. We join the residents of Imber Court, people yearning for spiritual meaning in a lay religious community, each pursuing their own paths to goodness and meaning. When art student Dora arrives, recently having left her husband, conflicts and secrets come to the fore, forcing the residents to confront one another and themselves. The meeting starts at 7pm with drink breaks at 8 and 9. The discussion will end around 10pm, but leave whenever you need to. Here's the blurb from Penguin.co.uk Imber Court is a quiet haven for lost souls. It offers a sanctuary for those who can neither live in the world, nor out of it. But beneath the gentle daily routines of the community run currents of suppressed desire, religious yearning and a legend of disastrous love. Charming, indolent Dora arrives in the midst of all this, and half-unwittingly conjures these submerged things to the surface. **Our confirmed 2026 books are:** * January - The Wizard of Earthsea, Ursual K. Le Guin * February - The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway * March - The Bell, Iris Murdoch * April - Haroun and Sea of Stories, Salman Rushdie * May - Journey to the West/Monkey - Weng Cheng-En * June - The Odyssey, Homer

**This event is supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s [Local Partners Programme](https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/fund-your-event/).** **N.B. this meeting will be held in person in the Prince of Wales pub near Covent Garden. There is also an online session held on Thursday if you are not in London or are not able to attend in-person.** Our 2026 theme, 'Quest', takes a more inward turn this month. We join the residents of Imber Court, people yearning for spiritual meaning in a lay religious community, each pursuing their own paths to goodness and meaning. When art student Dora arrives, recently having left her husband, conflicts and secrets come to the fore, forcing the residents to confront one another and themselves. The meeting starts at 7pm with drink breaks at 8 and 9. The discussion will end around 10pm, but leave whenever you need to. Here's the blurb from Penguin.co.uk Imber Court is a quiet haven for lost souls. It offers a sanctuary for those who can neither live in the world, nor out of it. But beneath the gentle daily routines of the community run currents of suppressed desire, religious yearning and a legend of disastrous love. Charming, indolent Dora arrives in the midst of all this, and half-unwittingly conjures these submerged things to the surface. **Our confirmed 2026 books are:** * January - The Wizard of Earthsea, Ursual K. Le Guin * February - The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway * March - The Bell, Iris Murdoch * April - Haroun and Sea of Stories, Salman Rushdie * May - Journey to the West/Monkey - Weng Cheng-En * June - The Odyssey, Homer

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve Every Tuesday Night to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Let’s meet up to discuss The Things We Leave Behind This book has a 4.3 rating on Good reads. The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros is a dual-timeline romance novel about a woman, Georgia Stanton, who must work with a bestselling author, Noah Harrison, to finish her late great-grandmother's final, unfinished manuscript, which tells the story of her great-grandmother's tragic World War II love affair with an American pilot. The book alternates between Georgia and Noah's present-day conflict and the historical love story, exploring themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and second chances as their own relationship mirrors the one in the manuscript.

Come join us for coffee at Matari Coffee to discuss our March book, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Join us for our March Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *The Manor of Dreams* by Christina Li in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.