NOVELIST and screenwriter John Niven is set to discuss his new first non-fiction book, O Brother, in a heartfelt and humorous event at Carlisle's Bookends on Monday evening. 

The memoir offers a reflection on Niven's working-class childhood in the 1970s and 80s, with it centred on John's little brother, Gary, who took his own life at the age of 42. 

It chronicles the lives of the 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.

Niven portrays his brother as a charismatic and funny individual, highlighting the positive aspects of his character amidst the darkness of his struggles. 

In an interview with the News & Star, Niven, known for his darkly comedic novels such as Kill Your Friends, expressed his satisfaction with the reviews received so far, saying that the book seems to be connecting with readers.

"I kind of always knew I'd write about Gary one day, but with any life event, it takes a few years for it to be distilled through you. It took me the best part of ten years to be able to write it.  

"My brother was one of the rave generation that never quite came through it.

"I think there's a lot of damaged souls that came out of the 90s, people lived very intensely and I think a lot of that generation apart from the serotonin that maybe got depleted by that lifestyle, ended up feeling that the best of part of their life was over," he said. 

As the eldest brother, Niven reflects on the burden of perceived protection and the overwhelming sense of failure when someone close takes their own life.

He acknowledges that survivors often feel guilty and responsible. 

"I don't think that's always the case but it doesn't stop the questions of guilt and culpability.

"Suicide is very much the Chernobyl of the soul because it sets a train of all these complex and emotions which have a very powerful half-life," John said. 

As a writer, Niven aims to touch on universal themes that resonate with readers across different backgrounds.

"You always hope for material that's universal, most families know what it is like to have a black sheep.

"The kind of thing where you are waiting for the phone to ring late in the night.

"That's the question at the heart of the book, how does the black sheep of the family become the black sheep?" John said. 

Niven's book tour has been successful thus far, with sold-out events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and his hometown of Irvine.

He will visit Bookends on Monday, August 28 at 7pm in the cozy setting of the Cakes & Ale cafe.

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/

You can also purchase a copy of O Brother via Waterstones and Amazon.