Coronet to release Love Letter to Europe on Brexit deadline day

Coronet has commissioned a collection of love letters to Europe from contributors including JK Rowling, Neil Gaiman and Pete Townshend, to be published on Brexit deadline day.

A Love Letter to Europe, commissioned by publisher Mark Booth, will be released in hardback and e-book on 31st October, the date Boris Johnson has vowed Britain will leave the EU.

The roster of stars who have penned a letter include Deborah Moggach, Onjali Raúf, Mary Beard, Simon Callow, Shami Chakrabarti, Sebastian Faulks, Alan Hollinghurst, Ruth Jones and Sandi Toksvig.

Moggach explained: "The title of this book says it all – culture knows no boundaries, and will triumph over bitter and divisive politics. I'm delighted to be one of the writers offering a hand of friendship across the Channel. We need you, over there, and always have."

The publisher said some were expressions of affection for a particular place, others were deeply personal stories but all were passionate about the continent.

Raúf said: “As the United Kingdom stands divided by fears, hostilities and a heartbreakingly negative view of all that our union with Europe once gifted us, it's crucial that we remember the real, and often beautiful impact that being a part of Europe has had on our personal histories and daily lives. This book is a celebration, and a much-needed reminder to all, of what we, and our coming generations, now stand to lose so painfully.”

Booth added: “We’re publishing it on 31st October when Boris Johnson says we’ll be leaving: no ifs, no buts. Who knows what will be happening then? But like a love letter this book will be something to hold on to as a token of authentic feeling – at a time when public discourse seems to have little that is authentic about it. I’m moved that so many feel deeply enough to write for this book, and more, that many of them have contributed some of their most inspired, passionate and precise writing.”