The annual PEN HG Wells lecture showcases visionary writing and thinking that embodies the pioneering spirit of former PEN President, author, and human rights campaigner, HG Wells. In this lecture, Monica Ali will explore the threat AI may pose to novelists and creatives in the future. Novelists have often provoked, challenged the status quo and caused offence, but large language models are currently programmed not to transgress in these ways. What will be the implications for minorities or marginalised voices? Following the lecture, Ali will appear in conversation with author and RSL Fellow, Irenosen Okojie.

The 2023 PEN HG Wells Lecture will be hosted in partnership with New Writing North.

Book sales and signing with The Bound bookshop after the event. 

Monica Ali is the bestselling author of five books including Brick Lane, which was shortlisted for the 2003 Booker Prize and most recently Love Marriage. Her work has been translated into 26 languages and she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Photo credit: Yolande De Vries