For our second session focusing on the theme of our environment, we will be discussing
 There Are Rivers in the Sky
,
 
by 
Elif Shafak. 
This is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers,
 and three remarkable lives – all connected by a single drop of water.
Book synopsis:
“In Victorian London, an extraordinary child is born at the edge of the dirt-black Thames. When his brilliant memory earns him a spot as an apprentice at a printing press, the world opens up far beyond the slums and across the seas.
In 2014 in Turkey, Narin, a Yazidi girl living by the River Tigris, waits to be baptized. The ceremony is cruelly interrupted, and soon she and her grandmother must journey across war-torn lands in the hope of reaching the sacred valley of their people.
In 2018 in London, broken-hearted Zaleekhah, a hydrologist, moves to a houseboat on the Thames to escape the wreckage of her marriage – until an unexpected connection to her homeland changes everything.
A dazzling feat of storytelling from one of the greatest writers of our time, one that spans centuries and continents, this is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers and three remarkable lives – all connected by a single drop of water.”
Tickets
Tickets for this book club are £5 per person which includes entry to the session and a drink.
To make our book club as accessible as possible, we are also offering a limited number of free Solidarity Tickets. 
For more info on Solidarity tickets, go to our ticketing information page.
Buy the book!
Our official Booktober bookselling partner is The Heath Bookshop.
The Heath Bookshop is a vibrant, award-winning, independent bookshop in the heart of Kings Heath in Birmingham. The Heath Bookshop is for everyone and anyone, aiming to offer a safe community space with a diverse range of books, delicious hot and cold drinks, and a much beloved Kate Bush coffee table! The Heath Bookshop won Independent Bookshop of the Year 2025, which was announced at the British Book Awards in May of this year.
To place an order with The Heath Bookshop, head to Bookshop.org (
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/theheathbookshop
) or contact them directly at orders@theheathbookshop.co.uk.
Information Source: University of Birmingham Events Team | eventbrite

Birmingham

United Kingdom

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The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Near Birmingham New Street Railway Station|Business District, Birmingham

Cadbury World

Book now for tomorrow

Family-friendly Attractions

M27***62

Children love it, it&#39;s a must for families with kids! I saw British schools also organize students to play there. Overall, it&#39;s more worthwhile than the Whisky Museum and the Peter Rabbit Museum. The first two are actually worth going to the shopping malls to buy something, and the doors of the shopping malls are open to passers-by.

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

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We made a dedicated trip and had a lovely few hours. There was lots to see with split levels that kept your interest. The penguins were nice, the octopus made an appearance and we would have loved to see more of the otters., we see the otters.. There is plenty to see, read and touch. My grand daughter loved it all, the turtle in the tunnel is beautiful . It was clean, and we had a great time, would definitely go back, staff were helpful,its really nice and deserve to be visited again and again.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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Themed exhibition halls

M43***62

For a smaller town the Art Museum as great. We really enjoyed our visit and would recommend it if you are traveling to Birmingham. Make sure to call ahead to see if they are open.

Winterbourne House & Garden

Historic buildings

Hossain Hoq Prohor

Winterbourne House &amp; Garden in Birmingham is a hidden gem that perfectly combines history, nature, and charm. The Edwardian house offers a glimpse into early 20th-century family life, beautifully preserved with period furnishings and fascinating exhibits. Surrounding it are seven acres of stunning botanical gardens filled with rare plants, glasshouses, and peaceful walking paths. Each season brings new colors and blooms, making it delightful year-round. The tranquil atmosphere, alongside the picturesque lakeside and tea room, creates an ideal spot for relaxation and photography. Winterbourne House &amp; Garden is a must-visit for anyone seeking beauty, heritage, and serenity in Birmingham.

Chinatown

BBOmBB

There are Chinese Super League, restaurants, and many other specialty restaurants to choose from.
It&#39;s not hard to find something to eat here.
However, the food at this restaurant was a bit disappointing.

Time:	Oct 8, 2025 (UTC+1) ENDED
Location:	The Exchange

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The Exchange Book Club: There Are Rivers in the Sky | The Exchange

Details

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Are you interested in The Exchange Book Club: There Are Rivers in the Sky?

Recommended Products for The Exchange Book Club: There Are Rivers in the Sky | The Exchange

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Cadbury World

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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