Meet The Author: 5 minutes with Tom de Freston

The Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival is just around the corner, and one of the highlights this year is the appearance of Tom de Freston, a celebrated artist and author with a fascinating background and a unique literary journey.

Tom will be appearing at the festival as both an illustrator - when he appears with his wife Kiran Millwood Hargrave for their event for children at 12pm on Saturday 12th October at the Unitarian Meeting House, Bury St Edmunds - and as an author as he discusses his most recent work Strange Bodies and his working relationship with Kiran at 7.30pm on Saturday 12th October 2024 at the Unitarian Meeting House, Bury St Edmunds.

We took 5 minutes to sit down with Tom to find out a bit more about his inspirations, his works, and what he has in store for festival-goers.

Literary and Childhood Heroes

Growing up, Tom de Freston was inspired by a diverse array of figures from various fields. His literary heroes included the likes of John Keats, Sylvia Plath, and Maurice Sendak, whose works left a lasting impression on him. Beyond literature, he admired sports legends such as Eric Cantona, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf for their dedication and excellence. The artist Chaïm Soutine also played a significant role in shaping his creative outlook. And let’s not forget his fondness for The Beano, which added a touch of playful inspiration to his childhood.

Tom's interest in writing was ignited early on, heavily influenced by the eclectic mix of his childhood heroes. He found a particular spark in the whimsical and imaginative worlds created by authors like Maurice Sendak.

Books at the Festival

At the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival, Tom will be discussing several of his notable works, including:

• Strange Bodies

• Wreck

• Julia and the Shark

• Leila and the Blue Fox

• 
  

Tom’s most recent work Strange Bodies is non-fiction, and straddles both memoir and art history - subjects that are both ripe for conversation.

Exciting Collaborations

Tom is particularly excited about discussing his collaborative projects with his wife Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Their partnership has yielded remarkable creative results whilst navigating loss and he looks forward to sharing insights into their joint ventures.

Current Reads and Recommendations

Tom recently enjoyed reading Matrescence by Lucy Jones, describing it as an astonishing book.

A Peek into His Personal Life

Beyond his literary pursuits, Tom has a heartwarming personal story to share. He and his family recently fostered a cat and her four kittens, adding a touch of furry joy to their home.

The Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, and Tom de Freston's presence will undoubtedly be a highlight. Don’t miss the chance to hear him speak and delve into his captivating world of words.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit www.burylitfest.co.uk.