Join one of Christchurch’s favourite writers, Joe Bennett, for a drink and an evening of story as he talks about his first novel, inspired by the rumour of a man living in a condemned luxury hotel in the red zone after the earthquakes of 2011.

King Rich is the haunting story of intertwined lives, set amid the devastation of post-quake Christchurch. Richard hides with a dog in the abandoned hotel. Annie returns from England as news of the disaster brings childhood memories flooding back. Vince relives the love of his life.

King Rich is the work of a superb writer at the top of his game.

Joe Bennett is an award-winning writer and columnist. His travel books, Where Underpants Came From, Mustn’t Grumble and Land of Two Halves were bestsellers, and his last work of non-fiction, Double Happiness, laid bare the techniques behind bullshit and how it has become so ingrained in our everyday lives that we barely recognise it.

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night.