Le Carre tops menu of authors for lunch series

- A Herald promotion

Famous English novelist John le Carre will be the first author to speak at a new literary luncheon series sponsored by the New Zealand Herald and Dymocks Booksellers.

Le Carre, whose novel The Constant Gardener has just been released, will make his only public appearance in New Zealand at the the New Zealand Herald Dymocks Literary Lunch on March 5 at the Sheraton Auckland Hotel.

Herald editor-in-chief Gavin Ellis said the luncheons would bring many major literary figures to New Zealand.

"We have been involved in literary luncheons in the past but a real strength of this partnership is its links with author events operated by Dymocks in association with the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age in Melbourne," Mr Ellis said.

"We will bring the same outstanding international literary talent to New Zealand in a regular programme."

Top New Zealand authors will also be included in the series.

Dymocks chairman John Forsyth said: "The New Zealand Herald Dymocks lunches will provide unique opportunities for people to get to know authors during interesting and entertaining occasions."

The Herald's strong presence in reviewing books and profiling authors was evidence of its commitment to New Zealand and international literature.

* Coupons to reserve a place at the lunch with John le Carre will be in the paper version of the Herald tomorrow and the Weekend Herald.