Novelist and screenwriter John Niven will discuss his new memoir at Carlisle's Bookends at the end of the month. 

O Brother is set to be a heartbreaking and hilarious reflection on a working-class childhood of the 1970s and 80s. 

The event will take place on Monday, August 28 at 7pm in the Cakes & Ale cafe.

The memoir delves into the themes of guilt, culpability, and regret that often haunt the survivors of suicide. 

The memoir focuses on John Niven's little brother, Gary, who was described as fearless, popular, stubborn, handsome, hilarious, and at times, terrifying.

Tragically, in 2010, Gary took his own life at the age of 42, after years of battling against the world.

Through the eyes of John, his younger sister Linda, and their mother, Jeanette, readers are given an intimate glimpse into the darkest fears they had for Gary, as they witnessed his life spiral downward into drug deals, prison, and bankruptcy.

As Gary's life unraveled, paralleled by John's own struggles in the music industry, a world characterized by excess, the love shared by the Niven family was tested to its limits.

'O Brother' chronicles the lives of these two brothers against the backdrop of changing times, from the humble sitting rooms of the 70s to the vibrant ecstasy-fueled raves of the 90s.

Tickets are priced at £20, which includes a copy of the book and a drink, or £6, which includes a drink.

To buy tickets, visit www.bookscumbria.com/about/