Events

Raging Hormones: medical journalist Gail Vines talks about her new book and tackles the notion that hormones dominate us: Wed 26 January, 7.30pm, at the ICA, The Mall, London SW1. pounds 5.50. 071-930 3647.

Jack Mapanje, Malawian poet and prisoner of conscience, reads his work at The Watershed, Cannon's Road, Bristol on Thurs 27 January, 7.30pm. pounds 4 (pounds 3 concs): all profits to Amnesty International. 0272 253845.

John Agard ends his year as Writer-in-Residence at the South Bank with a poetry reading on Tues 25 January; Selima Hill and Deborah Randall read from their new collections on Wed 26 January; also Sue Hubbard and Roddy Lumsden on Thurs 27 January: all 7.30pm, pounds 2.50 ( pounds 1.50 concs) at The Voice Box, South Bank Centre, London SE1. 071-921 0906.

New Zealand Writers on Tour: Keri Hulme, Dinah Hawken & Bill Manhire at the Paisley Arts Centre, New Street, Paisley; Sat 29 January, 7.30pm. Admission free. 041-887-1010.

Testament: Writers at the Crossroads: a two-day conference in which writers including Imruh Bakari, Mandla Langa, James Kelman & May Opitz-Ayim will explore the role of literature in the new South African democracy and elsewhere. 28 to 30 January, Brixton Recreation Centre, Brixton Station Road, London SW9; 071 837-1930. pounds 6 (day)/ pounds 10 (two days).