From Natasha Pulley, bestselling author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Kingdoms, comes an epic Cold War novel set in a mysterious town in Soviet Russia. Based on real events in a surreal Soviet city and told with Pulley's inimitable style, The Half Life of Valery K is a sweeping new adventure full of unbelievable science, secrecy, and dangerous love.

In 1963, after years in a Siberian prison, former nuclear specialist Dr. Valery Kolkhanov is liberated from the frozen camp and relocated to a mysterious unnamed city. It houses a set of nuclear reactors, and surrounding it is a forest so damaged it looks like the trees have rusted from within.

In City 40, Valery is expected to serve out his prison term studying the effect of radiation on local animals. But as he begins his work, he is struck by the questions his research raises. Why is there so much radiation in this area? What, exactly, is being hidden from the thousands who live in the town? And if he keeps looking for answers, will he live long enough to see his freedom?

Natasha Pulley’s first novel The Watchmaker of Filigree Street was a Sunday Times bestseller, won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award. Her second novel,The Bedlam Stacks, was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Encore Award and longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize while The Lost Future of Pepperharrow was published in 2020 to widespread critical acclaim, cementing her reputation as one of the most original and exciting writers at work.

Natasha appears in conversation with Toronto Public Library to discuss her work, upcoming projects, and discovering the thread of magic and queer narratives through history. An audience Q&A session will follow.

This event is part of TPL's ongoing Pride series. For events, reading lists, videos and more, check out tpl.ca/pride.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca.

Natasha Pulley: The Half Life of Valery K