Book Launch: Foreign Body - What If It Happens To You?

The launch of Laurene's second publication and debut novella,
Foreign Body - What if it Happens to You? took place on Thursday 16th September 2021 at the October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AL. The Theatre at the Gallery was filled with friends, family, and invited guests for this event, who were greeted at the door by Jim Mungal.

Eminent Trinidadian, Ansel Wong CBE, curated the event and functioned as the Master of Ceremonies. Ansel was joined by Hendy McNellie, a celebrated activist for racial equality, who introduced Laurene to the audience with a short biography, offered a critique of “Foreign Body - What if it Happens to You?” and read a favourite poem written by Laurene - “A Lesson in Compassion.”

Laurene gave two powerful readings of extracts from her latest book. You can view videos of these readings below. Following these readings, Ansel Wong CBE chaired a session of questions to Laurene from members of the audience and he read messages of goodwill and testimonials from friends who were unable to attend. Hansib Publications Limited was represented at the event by Ansel Wong CBE and Omar Leon.

The Book Launch was punctuated by musical interludes. The master calypsonian D'Alberto reinforced the Trinidadian theme with a spectacular rendition of calypso to give a Carnival atmosphere to the proceedings. He performed the 1940s classics “London Is D Place For Me” and the hilarious “Shame and Scandal In D Family.” D'Alberto showed other facets of the art of calypso with his cheekily satirical "King Harry" and the profound and poignant tribute to George Floyd, "I Can‘t Breathe."

Other musical interludes were provided by Stephen, who sang the tenor solos “Where'er You Walk” by Handel and “You Are My Heart's Delight” by Lehár. Antony accompanied Stephen on the October Gallery's Bechstein grand piano.

After the formal element of the evening, guests were able to meet Laurene and purchase signed copies of her work. There was also a reception with food and drink, the highlights of which were the Doubles that had been prepared and sponsored by Ms Dulcie Joseph, the proprietor of the Trinidad Roti Shop in Harlesden, and a special cake that had been baked by Puds'N'Guds at the Castle Theatre, Wellingborough.

Laurene and her family are extremely grateful to everyone who made the event possible through their organisation and generous sponsorship. The event was considered enjoyable and successful by all.

Ansel Wong CBE was the main driving force behind the event through his hard work, experience, wisdom and wide range of contacts, and we thank him most warmly. Thanks are also due (listed in alphabetical order) to:

Calypsonian D'Alberto
Hansib Publications Limited
Val and Paul Heijink
Ms Dulcie Joseph of the Trinidad Roti Shop, Harlesden
Hendy McNellie
Jim Mungal
October Gallery – Director and Founder, Chili Hawes; Events Manager, Harry Logan-Jones; and all the staff.
Susan and June Sagramsingh
Dorothy Wong