As the Dublin Book Festival kicks off at Dublin's Smock Alley Theatre, we've selected a quintet of choice DBF events that should delight bibliophiles - find out more about the programme here.
The Dublin City Public Libraries Readers' Day
A morning of book chat with a number of talented writers, hosted by bestselling author and journalist Dave Kenny, definitely not to be missed. With the new work up for discussion ranging from a backbiting critique of the literary world to a moving account of a father's journey to bring his son home, there should be something for everyone. Speakers include John Boyne, Carmel Harrington, Mary Kennedy, David Park, Sinéad Moriarty and Lesley Pearse.
When & Where? Smock Alley Theatre, Saturday 17th November at 10.00am
This series shines a spotlight on some of Ireland's most promising new voices. In the first of two Saturday afternoon sessions, memoirists Arnold Thomas Fanning and Emilie Pine will share their experiences of writing on denounced topics such as mental illness, substance abuse and bereavement, in conversation with journalist Sinéad Gleeson. In a second session, journalist Sue Leonard will lead a conversation between debut novelists Caitriona Lally, Darragh Martin, Aoibheann McCann and Sue Rainsford. The disparate voices of these four authors are drawn together by a shared focus on the isolated lives of characters who struggle to belong, and who are ultimately forced to carve their own compelling paths.
When & Where? Smock Alley Theatre, Saturday 17th November at 2.00pm and 3.30pm
Heartland: Words and Music from the Soul's High Lonesome Valley
Attendees can expect more than readings and conversation. Author Patrick McCabe, whose darkly fascinating novel Heartland was released by New Island Books earlier this year, will be joined by Republic of Telly host Kevin McGahern and a complement of guest musicians including Larry Beau, Liz Deery, Paddy Goodwin and Ian Lynch of Lankum for an immersive Sunday afternoon show.
When & Where? Main Theatre, Smock Alley Theatre, Sunday 18 November at 2.30pm
A generation of exceptional women writers gather to discuss the extraordinary women who have shaped Irish history. Authors Marian Broderick, Martina Devlin, Lindie Naughton, Deirdre Raftery and Margaret Ward will be led in conversation by editor, lecturer and award-winning travel journalist Madeleine Keane. They will consider the life stories of influential women who feature in their recent work, ranging from Nano Nagle to Countess Markievicz, and the ways in which such women can inspire modern feminist movements.
When & Where? Main Theatre, Smock Alley Theatre, Sunday 18 November at 12.30pm
Kids and adults alike can take refuge in the Winter Garden, where visitors can curl up with soup or hot chocolate from the festival café and a book from the bookshop, pause to admire the pop-up George Bernard Shaw exhibition, or take part in a range of free events. Young bookworms can look forward to storytelling sessions, illustration workshops, a Children's Books Ireland Book Clinic and a Treasure Island Treasure Hunt, while adults will enjoy a series of book launches and Irish PEN's launch of International PEN's Women's Manifesto in Ireland.
When & Where? Smock Alley Theatre, 15-18 November from 12.30pm
