Robert Harris praises public libraries

Best-selling Kintbury author told Newbury Library audience he owed a lot to public libraries

A CROWD gathered at Newbury library last Thursday evening (Oct 27) to hear best-selling Kintbury author Robert Harris talk about his latest book.

His latest novel, The Fear Index, is a chilling, contemporary thriller, based in the competitive world of stock broking and involving a scientist who invents a super computer, to use for trade on world financial markets and which feeds on fear.

The author opened his talk by saying he believed passionately in libraries and recalled how, as a child, he faithfully borrowed four books a fortnight. He said he “owed a lot to libraries” and had always been a great admirer of futuristic books such as George Orwell's 1984.

The audience of 165 people learned that the author's keen observation skills help him develop his characters and also heard about the intense research that he undertook, particularly in Geneva, where his latest novel is set.

The talk was followed by question and answer session, in which Harris spoke about the Hollywood screenplay he is writing based on The Fear Index. He also spoke about his views on politics and the current economic situation.

A book signing slot closed the free-of-charge evening. One audience member, Dennis Heath, said the event was marvellous adding: “I've been to all his evenings at the library and I always find them interesting.”