Imperfect Bodies with Ali Isaac. Author event

When Ali learns that she is expecting a child with CFC syndrome, a rare genetic condition, her world is shaken up. Doctors tell her that her baby will not even survive pregnancy but, against all odds, Carys is born. In this powerful literary memoir, Ali shares her journey as the mother of Carys, reflecting on motherhood, identity, the female body, and the able and dis-abled body, while exploring social and political definitions of normality. This memoir also interrogates how pregnancy, aging, and disability are all appropriated by public discourses without addressing individual needs. Isaac brings forth a myriad of non-normative bodies in a beautiful narrative that feels powerful and liberating.

“So beautifully written, such an honest and raw account, a scrupulous interrogation of perceptions and attitudes towards disability in the modern world.” Sara Baume

Ali will be in conversation with writer and Senior Librarian Stu Hennigan for this special event, discussing the book, the writing process and the issues discussed in the text. Tickets are Pay What You Can Afford, with a suggested donation of £3.00

Ali Isaac lives in Ireland with her husband, two sons, and daughter, Carys. In 2020, she was awarded a mentorship for Imperfect Bodies with author Sara Baume by Words Ireland in conjunction with the Arts Council of Ireland. She was also selected for the Penguin Write Now Program 2020. In 2021, she was the recipient of a Literature Bursary Award from the Arts Council of Ireland. Ali has been published in literary journals The Stinging Fly, Sonder, Paper Lanterns, and Catatonic Daughters. She regularly writes on her Substack.

Stu Hennigan is a writer, poet and musician from the north of England. His non-fiction book Ghost Signs (Bluemoose) was shortlisted for two national literary prizes including Best Book By A Non-Parliamentarian at the Parliamentary Book Awards in 2023. His debut novel Keshed was published in February this year, with Disappear Here, a social and cultural history of the United States from the late-60’s to the present day, analysed and interpreted through the fiction of Bret Easton Ellis due for publication in 2027, both with Ortac Press. His short fiction, essays, poetry and criticism have been published widely in print and online. He also works as Senior ​Librarian for Stock and Reader Development ​for Leeds Libraries.