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

Join rising-star authors Jo Hamya (The Hypocrite) and Rebecca Watson (I Will Crash) as they delve into the challenges faced by their generation, navigating family dynamics, grappling with identity, and confronting societal expectations. Both authors have garnered immense critical acclaim for their debut novels, establishing themselves as powerful voices in contemporary literature and are definitely writers to watch!

In this insightful conversation, Jo Hamya and Rebecca Watson will discuss their second novels, exploring the complex intersections of family, identity and societal pressures through the lens of millennial experiences. These two talented literary voices will illuminate how their works tackle 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, especially women, as they navigate the expectations imposed by society, family, and their own aspirations. This astute tale follows a young female playwright who publicly lampoons her novelist father, deftly addressing the struggle for personal independence within traditional family structures.

Rebecca Watson's I Will Crash offers a gripping narrative about family dynamics spiralling into toxicity. When a bullying brother’s death triggers an extraordinary and chilling portrait of sibling enmity, Watson delves deep into the unraveling of familial bonds, capturing the emotional intensity and dysfunction that arise from festering, deeply rooted issues.

How do twenty-somethings navigate the pressures of societal and familial expectations while forging their own identities? Hear from these two extraordinary authors as they articulate the millennial experience in all its complexity and contradiction.

Chaired by the dynamic and inspiring Hannah Hutchings-Georgiou, a writer and the founding editor-in-chief of Lucy Writers — a community-based platform celebrating women and non-binary creatives — this event promises to be both enriching and engaging. Hannah is currently working on a hybrid book of creative nonfiction about women and drawing, bringing her unique perspective to the conversation.

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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.