Goran Vojnović in conversation with Frank Wynne and Olivia Hellewell

On Monday 18th May 2026, the renowned Slovenian writer, director, screenwriter, and columnist Goran Vojnović, author of the critically acclaimed novels Southern Scum, Go Home! (Čefurji raus!), Yugoslavia, My Fatherland (Jugoslavija, moja dežela) and Đorđić Is Back (Đorđić se vrača), will be in Dublin to discuss his celebrated novel The Fig Tree (Figa), longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award in 2022.

In conversation with acclaimed Irish literary translator and writer Frank Wynne, the author will explore the power of storytelling and the role of memory in cross-cultural upbringing and self-conceptualisation. Joining them will be the translator of the book, Olivia Hellewell, promising a vibrant and fruitful discusson about the nuances of cross-cultural translation.

The Fig Tree is a subtle portrait of family ties and internal conflicts brought about by differences among generations. It follows the story of a man who tries to piece together his family history to better understand himself and find meaning in his life by locating his own story in the passage of time. Piecing together a cross-generational life saga, Vojnović explores how the fateful choices we make, which impact our families for decades to come, are often shaped the historical and political realities of the times we live in.

You are warmly invited to a literary evening at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Dublin to join this insightful discussion with one of Slovenia’s most prominent contemporary literary voices and one of Ireland's most celebrated translators.

The literary evening is supported by the Cultural Fund, which promotes Slovenian culture internationally. We look forward to welcoming you!

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Host or Publisher Embassy of Slovenia