Renowned author Maupin reads in city

Jul 5 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Renowned author Maupin reads in city

SAN FRANCISCO author Armistead Maupin read from his latest book at St George’s Hall last night.

The sell-out event brought the acclaimed Tales of the City writer to Liverpool and launched the introduction of a new literary strand to the programme of annual arts festival Homotopia.

Maupin, last year voted the country’s most popular author in the Big Gay Read survey, read from his new novel Michael Tolliver Lives, and discussed his life and work.

Such events are, Maupin says, “by far my favourite part of the job”, with his visit to Liverpool part of a wider tour of the UK.

He is best known for his Tales of the City series, which began as a newspaper serial and which he returns to with his latest novel, based around characters living on Barbary Lane in San Francisco.

Gary Everett, festival director of Homotopia, said the literary strand of the festival is a way to connect with the wider community.

He said: “The best thing about getting Armistead Maupin involved is that there has been a lot of interest from the non-lesbian and gay community, because of his mainstream appeal.”

This year’s Homotopia event takes place from November 1 to 18.