The Verb - Tracy Chevalier, Toby Litt, New Labour Fiction, Xhosa Poetry

Tracy Chevalier Chevalier shot to fame with Girl with a Pearl Earring, her second novel, which sold 4 million copies worldwide and was turned into a film starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. Her writing since then has taken in the lives of other historical and cultural figures, from poet William Blake in 'Burning Bright' to fossil hunter Mary Anning in 'Remarkable Creatures.' This week on The Verb she gives an exclusive preview of a work in progress - as yet untitled - about The Underground Railroad, the secret network which helped escaped slaves in 19th century America. Toby Litt The novelist presents the first of a two part Verb Guide to Rockstars who write. This week - the poetry of Leonard Cohen, Jim Morrison and Marc Bolan. New Labour Fiction As the Labour party begin looking for a new leader and a philosophy to take them beyond New Labour, novelists Jonathan Myerson and Matt Thorne consider how the era of Blair and Brown has been represented in fiction. Xhosa Poetry Jeff Opland on a South African poetic form which plays a vital role in public life. Oral Epic Poetry from Homer to the Zulus is at Kings Place in London on Monday 7th June at 7pm.