Shared personal experiences never fail to resonate with the reading public, so it came as no surprise that memoir-themed events remain some of the most popular at the Dublin Book Festival.
Below, we've selected 5 events where authors will be discussing their autobiographies and/or memoir-related writing at this year's DBF bash, which runs from 8th - 13th November.
Kellie Harrington in conversation with Second Captains
Dublin boxer and gold medallist Kellie Harrington is just about to publish her first autobiography Kellie (Sandycove), written working with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle; a book which takes us on her journey from a childhood in Dublin's north inner city to the top step of the podium at the Tokyo Olympics last year. For this special DBF event, Kellie will be in conversation with Second Captains, to celebrate the launch of a book which is as inspiring as it is heartwarming.
When & Where? Thursday October 27th at 7pm, Liberty Hall Dublin - find out more here.
Crazy Dreams: Paul Brady in conversation with David Heffernan
One of Ireland's best loved singers, songwriters and musicians talks to producer and director David Heffernan about his acclaimed autobiography Crazy Dreams (Merrion Press), a book which spans several decades and musical movements, illuminating the many experiences lived and people met along the way.
When & Where? Saturday November 12th, 2pm, The Printworks Dublin Castle - find out more here.
Dermot Bolger and Michael Harding in conversation with Sue Leonard
At this event author and playwright Michael Harding will be delving into his new bestseller with journalist and ghost-writer Sue Leonard. All The Things Left Unsaid (Hachette Books) is a collection of letters written by Harding, when in recovery from a serious injury, to the nine people who had a profound effect on him throughout his life. Dermot Bolger will also be discussing his latest poetry collection Other People's Lives (New Island), which draws from his own life experience and the lives of others.
When & Where? Saturday November 12th, 2pm dlr Lexicon Dun Laoghaire - find out more here.
Bill Whelan in conversation with Fiachna Ó Braonáin
The composer who put an indelible mark on Irish music talks to broadcaster and musician Fiachna Ó Braonáin, about his new autobiography The Road to Riverdance (The Lilliput Press); a book which not only charts a hugely successful musical career but offers a deeply personal reflection on the journey experienced along the way. The evening will be introduced by former U2 manager Paul McGuinness and feature a musical performance from trad duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre.
When & Where? Saturday November 12th, 1WML, The Windmill Quarter - find out more here.
This is me: personal essays
Writer and performer Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan speaks to three writers about their non-fiction writing: Sean Hewitt's extraordinary memoir All Down Darkness (Vintage), Suad Aldarra's moving book I Don't Want to Talk About Home (Doubleday) and Jayne A. Quan's debut collection of personal essays All this happened more or less (Skein Press), which explores the intersection of memory, trauma, death, and love, through the lens of a body in motion.
When & Where? Sunday November 13th, 3.30pm, The Printworks Dublin Castle - find out more here.
The Dublin Book Festival runs from 8th - 13th November 2022. - find out more here.
