Tessa Hadley: A Celebration of Life-Changing Books

Tessa Hadley's writing career has been marked by a deep love of literature, and her latest work, Alone with a Book, is a testament to the power of reading to transform our lives. • She will be discussing the writers who have shaped her imagination, from Jane Austen and Elizabeth Bowen to Alice Munro and Anne Tyler. • The event promises a joyful celebration of why stories matter, and attendees can expect to leave with a renewed enthusiasm for reading and a longer list of books to explore. • As part of the Folkestone Book Festival, this event is a unique chance to spend an afternoon in the company of a writer who has been transformed by literature, and to discover the books that have stayed with her forever.

The event takes place on Friday, 20 November 2026, at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone. Tickets are with the button beside the article. This special event is a highlight of the Folkestone Book Festival, which brings together world-class writers, thinkers, and storytellers for two weeks of conversation and celebration by the sea. With its vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, and galleries, Folkestone is the perfect setting for a literary festival that aims to make great conversations accessible to everyone.