CROSSING CONTINENTS

Donal Ryan's novels are a thrilling journey into the psyche of everyday Irish folk, but From a Low and Quiet Sea departs from his previous three books by extending its setting beyond rural Ireland into war-torn Syria. Kamila Shamsie’s highly praised Home Fire is another transnational novel, a contemporary take on the Antigone myth, looking at why people become radicalised in the modern world.

Sean Borodale & Ruth Padel (2018 Event)

In 2018, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (edbookfest) offered audiences the Freedom to Think in over 800 events with some of the world’s leading writers and performers. Topics under discussion included the future of democracy, the role of radical women in shaping society, the state of our oceans and the environment, the legacy of Edinburgh literary legend Muriel Spark, and the freedoms that matter most to us in an age of political upheaval. More than 900 novelists, poets, illustrators, historians, politicians, journalists, scientists and performers arrived from 55 countries to entertain, educate, inspire and debate with our audiences, in another unforgettable year for the Book Festival. Listen to a selection of our favourite events from across the programme in this free podcast series – there’s something for every taste and interest.