Some of the best conversations begin over coffee. Others begin with a book. We're fortunate enough to bring both together.
Community is at the heart of everything we do. Which is why we’ve started Knead to Read, our very own reading community that opens up our bakeries to local book clubs. As part of this, we’ve been hosting a series of book launches, bringing people together to enjoy a great new book, good company, and of course, some tasty bakes. Each event includes an intimate discussion with an author about their novel, inviting guests to share both their questions and love of literature with one another.
Last week, we were honoured to sit down with Ilona Bannister and discuss her newest novel FIVE – our book of the month for July – at the London Southwark Fire Station bakery.
Five stories. Five minutes until a life ends.
Diving deep into the gritty truths that we as human beings must come to accept, Ilona explores themes of trauma, belonging and hope. FIVE doesn’t give us the easy way out but opens the door to the complexities of the human experience.
As brilliant as it all sounds, Ilona never saw her life going in the author direction.
Having initially both studied and worked as an immigration lawyer in the US and UK, Ilona moved to writing following a class she took and immediately became hooked on the idea. After landing an agent and a deal, things seemed to be on the rise. That was until Ilona’s first novel released in the first week of the first lockdown in 2020. But she didn’t give up. Praising the support of her writing groups and family, Ilona highlighted the importance of community in the modern day.
“Books tell us so much about our own communities, and I think that’s something really special,” Ilona said.
FIVE has already hit the mystery thriller stage by storm, with readers describing it as “insanely unique, heartbreakingly real, and gripping until the final moments,” as well as “a riveting and unique entry into the genre.”
“The world is a changing place,” Ilona explained. “Community spaces are evolving and people are connecting in more ways than ever before. Online and in person.”
This sentiment carried through the entire discussion, with Ilona consistently leaning into the community aspects of her life that made this book a reality. “I was on a London bus thinking about my next story idea when I thought, if I asked every person here their life story, it would be better than fiction. We never know how much the strangers sitting next to us carry with them.”
Guests that evening were captivated. Discussions ranged from the inspiration behind her characters, to Ilona’s own favourite GAIL's order of cinnamon rolls, cookies and our Babka Bun (most of which coming at the request of her family). She recommended reading more and learning about other people’s experiences through writing from different countries.
Along with these insights from the author, each person attending left with their own signed copy of FIVE, tote bag, cinnamon bun and this month’s bread of the month, the succulent Mixed Olive Sourdough.
We love bringing people together over great books – so do keep an eye on our Knead To Read page. Whether it’s through our next book launch event, hosting your own book club with us, or reading our latest Book of the Month, there are all kinds of ways to join our reading community.
We hope to see you again very soon.
Words Joshua J Proudlock
Photography Katerina Anto-Lewis
