Tessa Hadley & Donal Ryan: Tales of Life and Loss

Step into the captivating worlds of two masterful storytellers, Tessa Hadley and Donal Ryan, as they discuss their latest works of fiction.

Tessa Hadley, known for her keen psychological insight and elegant prose, will present her latest short story collection, After the Funeral, and her new novella, The Party. These both delve deep into family dynamics and hidden secrets, showcasing Hadley’s remarkable ability to illuminate the complexities of ordinary lives.

Joining her is acclaimed Irish author Donal Ryan, whose lyrical and emotionally resonant narratives have garnered critical acclaim. His latest novel, Heart Be at Peace, continues to explore themes of love, loss, and redemption, all rendered with his signature poetic grace and deep empathy for his characters.

In this engaging conversation, Hadley and Ryan will examine how they capture the nuances of life, love, and loss in their writing. They will share their approaches to crafting compelling narratives within the short story form, discuss the unique challenges and rewards it offers, and reveal what inspires them to write.

This is a unique opportunity to witness the interplay of two distinct voices, each bringing their own perspective to the human experience. Secure your tickets now for an afternoon of literary brilliance and heartfelt storytelling.

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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.

This event is also supported by Culture Ireland.