The Literature Matters Hub

Literature Matters: Identity and Idealism

Hari Kunzru reflects on what literature means to us; whether its meaning changes when you develop from a reader into a writer; and whether fiction should have political ramifications.

Why Literature Matters – interview with Tracy Chevalier

A Civil Engineer’s View

Retired civil engineer Gyan Shrivastava on why literature matters to him.

Literature Matters: The democracy of reading

For the second of our Literature Matters event RSL Vice President Philip Pullman discusses the importance of reading.

Imagination in Action (full transcript)

A full transcript of RSL President Marina Warner's talk 'Literature Matters: Imagination in Action'

Literature Matters: imagination in action

Marina Warner looks at the interactions of stories and power in unsettled times.

Why literature matters

The idea that literature can make us emotionally and physically stronger goes back to Plato. RSL Fellow and Vice-Chair of Council Blake Morrison on why Shakespeare is more beneficial than self-help guides.

Jane Austen banknote

Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier, Bank of England, on the new Jane Austen banknote

So why does literature matter?

A former RSL Schools Outreach participant Vincent Otterbeck on the difference creative writing classes had on his enjoyment of literature

Literature matters

A former RSL Schools Outreach participant Sophie Crabtree on why literature matters

Why Literature Matters?

English Literature student Safeerah Mughal on the literature that matters to her

What I think about when I think about literature by Jennifer Obidike

RSL Volunteer, Jennifer Obidike, reads a Jeanette Winterson extract