Gerard Manley Hopkins Lecture will take place at Hope University on 9 May 2024 (drinks 5pm, talk & Q&A with the author 5:30-6;30). Location Eden Arbour Room

Title: The Spaces In Between

In conversation with Catherine Morris and through readings from Ghost Town and a new essay, Jeff Young in this year's Gerard Manley Hopkins Lecture (hosted by the School of Humanities) will explore the idea that a city is more than ‘property’, that the spaces in between are where the city comes to life – its haunted spaces, dream places, memory places and the movement of the crowd through the streets. Walking the city is vital to the writing of the city. The trace elements of those who walked before us are evidence of the shadowplay – the realm where memory is visible. This event will be opened by the Vice Chancellor and Rector of Hope University Professor Claire Ozanne and chaired by Professor Bryce Evans.



Author Biography


Jeff Young is the author of Ghost Town: A Liverpool Shadowplay which was shortlisted for the Costa Prize and longlisted for the Portico and published by Little Toller. Described by Costa Award Judges as ‘A stunningly beautiful book about the ways time, memory and life shape and change cities, families and all of us.’ Rough Trade Books published his pamphlet, ‘Deliria’ in 2023. He’s an essayist, scriptwriter for radio and stage and used to write for TV. He collaborates with musicians and artists on installations, sound art, spoken word and performance projects in places such as a submarine dock, shipyard warehouse, derelict townhouse, cobbler’s shop and boating lakes and he’s a collagist and assemblage maker. Wild Twin, the sequel to Ghost Town is out in 2024.