AL Kennedy Discusses New Novel

AL Kennedy, a Scottish writer and academic, will discuss her new novel, Alive in the Merciful Country, at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone on Monday, 2 November 2026. The novel, her tenth, is set during the 2020 lockdown and follows a London primary teacher who receives an unstamped envelope that brings her past back into view.

With a background in theatre studies and dramatic arts, AL Kennedy has established herself as a versatile writer, having written nine novels, six short story collections, and three non-fiction books. Her work has been recognised with several awards, including the Costa Book Award for Book of the Year and the Lannan Literary Award for Fiction.

The event is part of the Folkestone Book Festival, which brings together world-class writers, thinkers, and storytellers to Folkestone. Tickets are with the button beside the article. Every event includes a £5 Cost of Living Ticket, available with no questions asked, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.

The discussion will provide an opportunity for attendees to gain insight into AL Kennedy's writing process and the themes that drive her work. As a celebrated writer and academic, AL Kennedy's conversation is expected to be engaging and thought-provoking, making this event a must-attend for book lovers and fans of contemporary literature.