Agnes Lidbeck for Supporting Act

Join us for an evening with Agnes Lidbeck to celebrate her new novel, Supporting Act, in partnership with Bath-based publisher Peirene Press. Agnes will also be joined by her translator, Nichola Smalley.

The social contract is non-negotiable. The woman must be a mother. The woman must be desirable. The woman must be a caregiver.

When Anna gives birth, she surrenders completely to motherhood, reshaping her body, identity and purpose, shielding herself from the burden of her own desires. But as her marriage crumbles and her children grow independent, she needs a new role. An affair with an ageing writer, Ivan, offers her a new narrative, a way to rewrite herself. But no role lasts forever, and sooner or later Anna must confront the woman beneath the performance.

‘A powerhouse novel about the construction and execution of female identity. In its pages, motherhood, marriage and the very notion of care are meticulously deconstructed. What a writer Agnes Lidbeck is – bold, blisteringly intelligent, deliciously playful.’ Katie Kitamura, author of Audition and Intimacies

'Taut, restrained, fiercely frank, Agnes Lidbeck's SUPPORTING ACT is a feminist tour de force.’ Claire Messud, author of This Strange Eventful History

‘Perfectly captures the feminised dream-state of caring – and living – for others.' Stephanie Sy-Quia, author of A Private Man and Amnion

Agnes Lidbeck is one of the most prominent and versatile contemporary Swedish writers. Her works include the novels Gafoerlorad (At a Loss, 2019), Foerlaten (The Rift, 2018), Nikes bok (Nikky's Book, 2021), and All min karlek (All my Love, 2023), and the poetry collection Ur (From, 2018).

Supported by the Swedish Arts Council in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, UK as part of their Stories From Sweden programme.