Ian McEwan: What We Can Know

Few writers have shaped contemporary fiction quite like lan McEwan.
For more than forty years, readers have been captivated by novels including Atonement, Amsterdam, On Chesil Beach and Lessons, works that have challenged, unsettled and moved us.
In a rare appearance, McEwan joins us to discuss his highly anticipated new novel, What We Can Know, and to reflect on a lifetime spent exploring the complexities of love, morality, memory and human behaviour.
This promises to be one of the literary highlights of the year.
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Events last one hour unless otherwise stated, followed by a book signing in The Clearing. Our official bookseller is Waterstones.
Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of stories, ideas and conversation by the sea. Curated by novelist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s festival brings together more than 60 events across two weeks, welcoming world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to Folkestone.
Discover another event, browse the bookshop, explore Folkestone’s vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, bars and galleries, and share the experience with a friend. The best festivals are as much about the conversations between events as those on stage.
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.
We believe great conversations should be for everyone, which is why every event includes a £5 Cost of Living Ticket, available with no questions asked.
Please help us spread the word. Together, we’re building a thriving community of readers, writers and curious minds.
Folkestone Book Festival is proudly supported by Eurotunnel, Canterbury Christ Church University, Holiday Extras, and the Friends of Folkestone Book Festival. Creative Folkestone is supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Saga. Founding Funder The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.