Novelist Frederick Forsyth treated residents of a Signature care home to an exclusive audience to mark World Book Day.

Members of Signature at Farnham Common’s newly-launched book club welcomed the author for a talk on his five decade career. Famed for penning thrillers such as  The Odessa File and The Dogs of War, Forsyth held an informative question and answer session and read from best-seller The Day of the Jackal.

The visit builds on the care home’s literary connections, with its in-house café being named after famed local author Enid Blyton. 

Forsyth said: “Visiting Signature at Farnham Common was a pleasure, and I am very happy to support the care home’s book club. The question and answer session was very interesting, I enjoyed the exchange and to hear views on my works. Our discussion demonstrated both the power of books, and the joy they can bring to readers regardless of their age.” He added that he hoped to visit again in the future. 

Resident Margaret Garner said: “We were delighted to hear from Frederick and to learn more about his career and his work. It has taken him to some wonderful and exciting places which have clearly informed his work.”

Alex Alexandru, general manager at Signature at Farnham Common, said Forsyth was the perfect guest to mark the book club launch. “Hearing at first-hand how his books have had such a powerful impact around the world was inspiring.”  

World Book Day takes place annually on the first Thursday of March.