Take it easy

Nobel prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah sitting signing books with Elif Shafak after their conversation session together. 

She spent an incredible two hours at it - she really does give generously of her time at these festivals. They had to close the queue eventually so many people wanted to meet her.

It may seem odd to photograph the back of two famous writers but it was the queue I was interested in. Plus they would probably approve of the subject-effacing composition. Their conversation was very gentle, reflective and at times warmly funny, although (rightly) she had some unusually (for her) harsh words for Kier Starmer. 

We had two other sessions today. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Mona Chabati (not to be confused with Mona Chakrabati) gave an interesting but uneven lecture and Q&A on "resistance" in a time of oppression. And Guardian sketch writer John Crace was interviewed by Marcus Brigstock, although the former’s stroke and mental health issues meant the session was slow and at times sad compared to previous years. 

The journey home was, like listening to these two, a lesson in patience and care. By driving a bit slower than the speed limit demanded we got a fantastic level of efficiency out of the car battery and made the journey home with plenty to spare and avoided the hassle, delay and expense of topping up at a fast charger. The classic win-win, and TSM’s driving was exemplary. No needless acceleration and every junction smoothly taken. Considering that her preferred driving style is Max Verstappen on steroids this was a great achievement. 

Home for four nights then back again for the last three days of the festival.