| When | Thursday 13th June 2024 at 19:00 |
| Where | The Exchange, Sturminster Newton 1 Old Market Hill Sturminster Newton Dorset DT10 1QU |
| Event Type | Talks |
| Price | £8 |
| Booking | Preferred |
| Tickets | |
| Also available at 1855, Market Cross, Sturminster Newton |
Inanna is the first novel in an epic trilogy set in the lost world of Ancient Sumer, the world’s first civilisation. It is a retelling of the very oldest pieces of literature in existence, including the Epic of Gilgamesh and The Descent of Inanna.
There are three heroes in this first book in the trilogy. First, Inanna, who is arguably the longest-lived female deity in history, since she went on to become Ishtar and then, much later, Aphrodite. Second, Gilgamesh, the eponymous hero of the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is probably the only Sumerian story to be relatively well known. (Gilgamesh was very likely a real-life king in Sumer, in about 3,000 BC.). Third, Ninshubar, who was Inanna’s “sukkal”, or right-hand woman, and is central to the goddess’s most important myths.
Even if you know nothing about Ancient Sumer, though, the novel can be enjoyed simply as a fantastic adventure into our deep past.
Emily H Wilson will be speaking about Inanna and the Epic of Gilgamesh in conversation with Jenny Devitt.
Emily H. Wilson is a full-time writer based in Cerne Abbas in Dorset. Her first novel, Inanna, was published in August 2023, and her second, Gilgamesh, will be published on August 6 this year. Before becoming a full-time author, Emily was a journalist. Until this January, she served as editor-in-chief of New Scientist, the world’s leading science magazine.
To learn more about Emily visit her website.
Jenny Devitt is an experienced interviewer, radio presenter and producer, and an award-winning scriptwriter. She began her broadcasting career in the BBC, and has since worked for numerous radio and specialist natural history television programmes and publications, both in the U.K. and in France. Her work has taken her on recording trips from West Africa to Europe to the eastern Himalayas. She regularly hosts author events at the Yeovil Literary Festival, and produces and presents a bi-monthly factual magazine programme on two Dorset radio stations. She lives just over the border in Somerset!