Fireside Chat with Barney Campbell
Wednesday 12th March at 18.30 | The Drawing Room and Zoom | £15.00 per person*
*Includes one glass Prosecco
*£10.00 for those joining via Zoom
Jeremy Paxman, William Boyd, and Alexander McCall Smith are all admirers of author Barney Campbell’s words. Likewise, Colonel Richard Kemp, who campaigns tirelessly for soldiers not to face criminal prosecution for time in the likes of Iraq, Afghanistan, and, most recently, Northern Ireland.
A former Blues & Royals, Campbell counts these illustrious names as fans of his first book, “Rain”, a work of fiction about service in Afghanistan, where he was personally deployed. His new second book, “The Fires of Gallipoli”, takes readers back to the First World War and a lawyer’s experience of this most bloody conflict, contrasting with his sedate, white-collar life at home.
For this Fireside Chat, now a staple of the Rag events offering, join Barney to learn how a former serviceman has achieved such literary acclaim following his departure from the Army. Share in his evolution as a writer, and learn about the genesis of his latest book. Hear how he draws in his own experiences of service to create plausible and compelling narratives crafted with no little flair for a choice word or vivid – and authentic – scenario.
To Jeremy Paxman, “Rain” was not “merely good”. Instead it was “remarkable….Powerful, at times unbearably harrowing, it captures both the fear and exhilaration of men pushed to breaking point”. As for William Boyd, he considered the book to be: “A wonderfully achieved, enthralling and moving novel of war. Its authenticity is as telling as it is terrifying.” Gripping, said the Daily Mail, with the ending “genuinely shocking”.
And “The Fires of Gallipoli”? According to Alexander McCall Smith: “In this vivid and engaging novel of war and friendship, Barney Campbell shows us once again that he is a natural writer. This is a novel of men at arms of the highest quality”. So, as recommended, join Barney at the Drawing Room Fireside for a personal insight into his pathway to writing acclaim. Then, as is customary for this event, be one of the select group of members attending who join the evening’s guest for supper in the Coffee Room afterwards for food, and food for thought, through further discussion and conversation.
