David Lodge is quite the clever bloke. Though they never shy away from big ideas, his stories lack the pretentiousness and preciousness that often mar literary fiction (cough, Will Self). Tonight at the London Review Bookshop, Lodge talks about his new book, Deaf Sentence, which follows an English professor dealing with early retirement, spousal envy and hearing loss. Don't worry if it all sounds a bit heavy for a mid-week outing — after quaffing the free wine, you'll be ready for the doubtlessly keen discussion.