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First on the list of literary guests would have to be [[We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver|Kevin]], the eponymous character in Lionel Shriver’s great novel. I’d have him in handcuffs, of course, what with him being a sociopathic killer and all, but there’s something fascinating about his dark intelligence and how he justifies mass murder. Next I’d invite [[Harry Potterand the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling|Harry Potter]], partly for self defence against Kevin – a quick stunning spell would be useful if things got out of hand – but mainly to talk Hogwarts and horcruxes and hallows. And at the end of the evening, it would be fun for my guests to have a fly on his broom. Oh, and I’d ask him to bring a bottle or two. A few glasses of butterbeer would help the party go with a swing.  I’d have to have Lyra, the feisty silver-tongued heroine of His Dark Materials, for the stories she’d tell and the lies she’d make up, and if I invited her then I’d ask her daemon too. Pan would scamper around keeping my dog company. Heathcliffe would arrive next, all windswept and wet after his walk on the moors, and he’d not say much, just sort of sit in the corner being broody and marvellous. Gandalf and Dumbledore would arrive together, white beards blowing in the wind, and after a couple of pints they’d have a dual to settle one of my life’s big questions – which wizard would win in a fight? A knock at the door would signify Lizzie Bennett’s arrival in her mud-splattered dress, and I’d put her next to Heathcliffe for a sneaky spot of matchmaking. Iago would slope in, cunning, manipulative and malevolent, and I’d sit him opposite Kevin. Listening in to their conversations would be a thrilling, frightening experience. Finally I’d have Anne of Green Gables for her indefatigable enthusiasm. Even if the chicken was terrible, the wine undrinkable and the supermarket cheesecake inedible, I reckon she’d love it anyway.