Book tickets
Members' Book Club
Join us for our next instalment of the ICA Members' Book Club, a discussion of Claire-Louiise Bennett's latest novel Big Kiss, Bye Bye.
Uprooted by circumstance from city to deep countryside, a woman lives in temporary limbo, visited by memories of all she’s left behind. The most insistent are those of Xavier, who has always been certain he knows her better than anyone, better than she knows herself. Xavier, whom she still loves but no longer desires, a displacement he has been unable to accept.
What does it mean to connect with another person? What impels us to touch someone, to be touched by them, to stay in touch? How do we let them go? In yet another tour de force of fiction, Claire-Louise Bennett explores the mystery of how people come into and go out of our lives, leaving us forever in their grasp.
Join us for our next instalment of the ICA Members' Book Club, a discussion of Claire-Louiise Bennett's latest novel Big Kiss, Bye Bye.
Uprooted by circumstance from city to deep countryside, a woman lives in temporary limbo, visited by memories of all she’s left behind. The most insistent are those of Xavier, who has always been certain he knows her better than anyone, better than she knows herself. Xavier, whom she still loves but no longer desires, a displacement he has been unable to accept.
What does it mean to connect with another person? What impels us to touch someone, to be touched by them, to stay in touch? How do we let them go? In yet another tour de force of fiction, Claire-Louise Bennett explores the mystery of how people come into and go out of our lives, leaving us forever in their grasp.
Bio
Claire-Louise Bennett grew up in Wiltshire and currently lives in Ireland. In 2013 she was awarded the inaugural White Review Short Story Prize and her debut book, Pond, was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize in 2016. Her second novel, Checkout 19, was shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize in 2021 and was part of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2022 Selection. Claire-Louise’s fiction and essays have appeared in a number of publications including The White Review, Stinging Fly, frieze, Harper’s Magazine and the New Yorker. Big Kiss, Bye-Bye is her third work of fiction.
Book tickets
06:30 pm
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Studio
This event has two ticket options:
- Book (collect in ICA shop)
- Book (postage included)
These include the price of the book, minus 10% Members' discount.
For those wishing to collect in store, we will reserve a copy of the book for you behind the front desk. For those wanting the book posted to them, we will send you an email to confirm your current address before sending.
If you have purchased the book outside ot the ICA Bookshop, you can RSVP for free and join the discussion by emailing membership@ica.art
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Access information
Studio
- The Studio is accessible from Carlton House Terrace via a ramp. There is not a bathroom on this floor
- If you have other access requirements, need more info, or want to contact us, go to the Access Page
Members+ and all Patrons gain free entry to all cinema screenings, exhibitions, talks, and more.
Join today as a Member+ for £25/month.
no. 236848.