The Grey Area presents an evening with Gab Torr, author of the upcoming release of Hard Place.

About the Author:

Gab Torr is a 2021 London Writers Award winner and the debut author of Hard Place. Gab lives in Sheffield with their wife and no pets.

About the Book:

One of Grey’s top 10 reads of 2025 thanks to receiving an early proof copy. The book also has Nigella Lawson’s seal of approval (IYKYK).

Everyone’s healing. No-one’s happy.

For years, Billy’s decisions have been made for her by long-term girlfriend Rose, leaving her free not to think for – or about – herself. But when they break up and Billy is left without anywhere to live, she’s forced to take up an unappealing but affordable SpareRoom ad. Her new flatmates, Sid and Rhoda, are the kinds of people who talk very seriously about taking accountability, adhering to the flat’s community guidelines and holding space for one another. Meals are communal by force, polyamory is assumed, and whatever the problem, capitalism’s usually to blame. Yes, Rhoda’s parents own the flat, but that doesn’t matter: they’re unapologetically political and loudly queer, and slowly Billy becomes enmeshed in their radical, vulnerable world. But as Billy’s past starts to catch up with her, and all of their boundaries begin to crumble, each of them must reckon with what they truly stand for – and what they’ll sacrifice to hold onto it.

‘Hard Place is a many-layered feast of a novel – biting, witty and unexpectedly tender at the same time. I hugely enjoyed it!’ Hannah Beer, author of I Make My Own Fun

Event Structure:

Interview 7:00-7:45pm
Audience Q+A 7:45-8:00pm
Book Signings 8:00-9:00pm

Accessibility:

PAs are welcome, please just email us to let us know you are bringing someone else along. The venue is wheelchair accessible with vegan and gluten free drinks and food available. For specific questions, please contact us or admin@sandbarwithington.co.uk directly. We will be in the back room, to the right of the bar. Concession tickets are £3.50, please email us: greyareabooks@gmail.com

Ticket:

If you purchase a book, the ticket price is included and you can collect the book at the event by giving your full name. If you are just purchasing a ticket, your email is confirmation of attendance and you will need to confirm your name at the event.