Who wasn’t there in the rain and the sun at Guy Hilton’s trendy gallery  for Farah Damji’s book launch last night?

Writers Farrukh Dhondy, Anthony Haden Guest, Nirpal Dhariwal and hacks Emine Saner of G2, and Michael Moran, editor of Times on-line mingled with Goldsmiths grads, art dealers such as Simon Hilton (the gallerist’s father) , West London socialites and the art stars the gallery is known to support. Performance artists Mark McGowan failed to break the world record for the most snails on his face but made a stomach churningly valiant attempt.

Add to the mix human rights solicitor Imran Khan, Tory spin advisor, Nic Careem and The Ark Press’ latest signed author, Nabil who was acquitted of any involvement in the terrorist bomb plot to blow up London with fertiliser in 2007 and you know the Ark Press is at the cutting edge of London’s literary world. Dhondy, an ex-Channel Four Commmissioning Editor counts amongst many other titles, such as writer ( Bikini Murders, Adultery) screenwriter ( Bandit Queen) and film maker ( Lucid Pictures) adds to his calling card the title of Commissioning Editor of The Ark Press for London, as announced by The Ark’s glamorous Anna Cohen, Managing Director.

Farah Damji read from her book, Try Me which was released yesterday in a midst of signing and smiling photographs. She read about her experience with addiction from a chapter called Inside Me,

“I was brought up to believe I can. I’ll take what I can and what I want. I don’t answer to your ownership. I will never belong to your world.”

A stark look into the mind of an addict in the throes of her addiction. Farah’s book is available on-line and at most bookstores.

For a free downloadable sample chapter from her crazy New York days ( and nights)  see http://try-me-the-book.com

BUY ME!

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