About Irish Writers' Weekend: Maggie O'Farrell
At this special event to open the British Library Irish Writers' Weekend, one of the finest novelists working today discusses her tenth novel Land, her most ambitious to date, and first since an Oscar nomination for the poignant screenplay of her novel Hamnet. Beginning on a windswept peninsula on the west of Ireland and charting an odyssey through loss, hope and reunion, Land, is an epic new tale of place, colonisation and rebellion inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s own family history.
Maggie joins Martin Doyle, Books Editor of The Irish Times, in conversation.
Please note, this event is not included in Irish Writers’ Weekend day and weekend passes and separate tickets are required. Tickets to watch live online or within 14 days on catch up are also available.
The Irish Writers' Weekend is supported by Culture Ireland.
Your support
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.
Maggie O’Farrell
Maggie O’Farrell, born in Northern Ireland and raised in Wales and Scotland, is one of Britain’s most acclaimed and popular contemporary fiction writers.
More
In 2020, her novel Hamnet won the Waterstones Book of the Year and the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2020. Maggie co-wrote the screenplay for the Academy-Award nominated film of Hamnet, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley and directed by Chloé Zhao. Maggie’s other novels include After You’d Gone, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, The Hand that First Held Mine (which won a Costa Book Award), Instructions for a Heatwave and This Must Be the Place. In 2017 she released her first non-fiction work, the memoir I Am, I Am, I Am.
Martin Doyle
Martin Doyle, Books Editor of The Irish Times, has been an arts journalist for more than 35 years
More
During his career Martin has time has interviewed many of the most talented and successful Irish writers at different stages of their careers. He is the author of Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Home Place (Merrion Press, 2023). His new book A Hosting: Interviews with Irish Writers 1991-2026 collects more than 50 of his interviews with Irish authors: from the late Brian Moore to Sally Rooney, Claire Keegan and Anne Enright.
Venue and bar opening times
This event will take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre and is also available to watch online. Tickets may be booked to attend in person, or to watch online.
If you are attending in person, please note that the Knowledge Centre and the bar will be open in advance of your event.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk
Attending the event online
If you book an online ticket, you will receive the viewing link on the morning of the event. You can either watch the event live or during the next 14 days on catch up.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16 – 25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.
Want to hear more about events like this?
Sign up to our emails to be the first to hear about upcoming events and exhibitions at the Library.
