A Crystal Palace author is due to launch his second book at Upper Norwood library next Thursday as part of a scheme to encourage more reading.

Christopher Bowden’s novel The Yellow Room, published today (Thursday), has already garnered praise from the broadcaster Andrew Marr and writer Julian Fellowes.

It contains period references to 1950s Britain which Mr Bowden said he had researched at the library, just minutes from his home in Alexandra Drive.

The plot revolves around a young City worker who, upon the death of her grandmother, investigates her aristocratic family's decline.

Unlike his first novel, The Blue Book, the Yellow Room is not set in south London but Mr Bowden said it was a good place to be a writer.

“There is a sense of creativity in Crystal Palace. It's lively and vibrant. There are good independent bookshops and music and art going on too."

The launch will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 1 at the library in Westow Hill. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.

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