Jo Hamya & Rebecca Watson: Family, Identity and the Struggles of a Generation

Jo Hamya and Rebecca Watson discuss their second novels, and take the stage for an insightful conversation that explores the complicated intersections of family, identity and societal expectations through the lens of millennial experience. The two rising literary voices will discuss how their novels navigate the often fraught territory of personal battles that define a generation.

Jo Hamya's The Hypocrite is a sharp and observant exploration of the pressures faced by young people today, particularly women, as they grapple with the expectations placed on them by society, family and themselves. In it, a young female playwright publicly lampoons her novelist father in this astute tale of navigating traditional family structures while striving for personal independence.

Rebecca Watson's I Will Crash is a gripping story of family dynamics gone poisonously awry. A bullying brother’s death is the spur for an extraordinary and chilling portrait of sibling enmity. The novel delves into the unraveling of familial bonds, capturing the emotional intensity and dysfunction that can arise when deeply rooted issues are left to fester.

How do twenty-somethings navigate the pressures of societal and familial expectations while forging their own identities? Hear from two authors who are capturing the millennial experience in all its complexity and contradiction.

Delve into the minds of two rising-star authors whose works resonate with the experiences and challenges of a generation.

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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, ideas, reading and writing in many magical forms. This year's festival has been curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock. Sophie is our new Curator: Books, Ideas and Community.

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This year's festival is for everyone and we want to make it possible for more people than ever before to be able to come together and enjoy a packed festival. To make this possible we have introduced a £5 ticket. This is a no questions asked ticket for those that may be struggling to afford events and performances.

Or grab a festival pass and enjoy the whole festival for just £140. Click here to book your festival pass

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We thank our sponsors Eurotunnel, Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival and our Education Partner Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible.

Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Kent County Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.