Liz Kessler & Alex Wheatle: Whose Side of History Are You On?

Historical fiction is a great way to learn about the past from a human perspective, and today’s stories tackle two troubling times in history. Alex’s Cane Warriors recounts the brutal uprising of slave plantation workers in 1760’s Jamaica, while Liz’s powerful When the World Was Ours follows three young friends on different sides during the Second World War. Gain insights into the authors’ meticulous research processes, and how they handle writing about such emotive topics.

This event was filmed live at the 2021 Edinburgh International Book Festival. Some of the participants in the event took part remotely while others were on stage, in the venue.

Book Festival News

Celebrating the 2024 Book Festival Celebrating the 2024 Book Festival
Monday 26 August

Enjoying this event? You can help us produce more like it.

Donate

Share

Watch more

Itchy Coo’s Big Birthday Hoolie! Itchy Coo’s Big Birthday Hoolie! The Scots language imprint Itchy Coo was launched at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2002. 20 years and many much-loved titles later, it’s time to party! Join co-founding authors Matthew Fitt and James Robertson and special guests in this… A Kid’s Life in the Aztec Age with Chae Strathie A Kid’s Life in the Aztec Age with Chae Strathie Would you eat slugs, tadpoles, frogs or maggots? No?! Then you should be glad you didn’t live in the Aztec age. Step into the past with Chae Strathie as he shows you exactly what life was like for a kid in the Aztec world in this fascinating, and… Young and in Love with Dean Atta Young and in Love with Dean Atta Join the inspirational Dean Atta - named one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK by the Independent on Sunday - and jump headfirst into his must-read queer love story, Only on the Weekends. Written in Dean's signature verse-novel format, the… David Walliams (2018 Event) David Walliams (2018 Event) Britain's biggest author, David Walliams, brings his unique sense of humour to the Book Festival as he shares with you his latest hilarious bestseller, Bad Dad. Be inspired to get writing your own funny stories as David explains how he became the fastest… Illustrate your Feelings with Dunja Jogan Illustrate your Feelings with Dunja Jogan Dunja Jogan’s Felix After the Rain is a wonderful introduction to discussing – and dealing with – feelings. This beautifully illustrated book follows Felix, who hides his sadness in a black suitcase – until one day the suitcase is accidentally opened… Dragons and Wizards with Cressida Cowell at the Edinburgh International Book Festival Dragons and Wizards with Cressida Cowell at the Edinburgh International Book Festival Set in an ancient past full of mythological creatures, the age-old tale of a boy and girl from opposing tribes who become friends takes on a fantasy adventure twist in the highly anticipated third instalment of master storyteller Cressida Cowell's Wizards… A Fantastical Escape with Eoin Colfer, Cressida Cowell & Kiran Millwood Hargrave A Fantastical Escape with Eoin Colfer, Cressida Cowell & Kiran Millwood Hargrave In this spectacular event Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell is joined by the international bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series, Eoin Colfer, plus a special surprise guest, to talk about how magical adventures and the joys of reading and… Money, Money, Money with Rashmi Sirdeshpande Money, Money, Money with Rashmi Sirdeshpande Whether you want to become an entrepreneur, be a savvy shopper, or save and splurge on something you really want, having some dosh in your pocket can be really exciting… LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health with Alexis Caught LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health with Alexis Caught Queer Up: An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health is the debut book from award-winning podcaster and author, Alexis Caught. In this open, helpful and heart-warming event for teenage school pupils, Alexis takes you through an inclusive… Sensory Stories and Crafts with Ailie Finlay & Kate Leiper Sensory Stories and Crafts with Ailie Finlay & Kate Leiper What does the Old Woman do when she finds a bush full of berries but no bowl to put them into? Join storyteller Ailie Finlay and artist-illustrator Kate Leiper as they take you on a fun-packed sensory adventure, all from the comfort of your own home…