Jem Calder: The Debut Everyone is Talking About

Few debut authors are generating as much excitement as Jem Calder. Named one of The Observer’s best debut novelists of 2026 and championed by Sally Rooney, Calder is emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary fiction. His celebrated debut novel, I Want You to Be Happy, is a witty, stylish and brilliantly observed portrait of modern life, exploring love, friendship, work, status and desire in contemporary life. Sharp, funny and emotionally astute, Calder discusses his hot new debut and the challenge of capturing a generation searching for connection in a rapidly changing world. This event will be chaired by Rosie Percy, a writer and digital strategist with a knack for spotting a good story and knowing exactly how to share it. Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of stories, ideas and conversation by the sea. Curated by novelist Sophie Haydock, this year’s festival brings together more than 60 events across two weeks, welcoming world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to Folkestone. The Festival is part of Folkestone is a Library, our ambitious town-wide celebration of reading, writing and storytelling, helping make Folkestone one of the UK’s most exciting literary destinations.