The award-winning author of The Raptures and The Fire Starters, Jan Carson, will be in conversation with writer and journalist Roisin Kiberd. Join for a wide-ranging conversation including a discussion of Jan’s most recent novel, Few and Far Between (Penguin, 2026).

This two-hour workshop introduces the rich literary tradition of magical realism, exploring the genre and its artistic style; showing how to incorporate fantastical, supernatural, or mythical elements into realistic, everyday settings. 

In this illustrated talk, Belfast-based writer Jan Carson will dissect her recent novel Few and Far Between, exploring the cultural, historical, literary and mythical influences upon the story.

Enjoy refreshments with the Ilkley Literature Festival team, receive an exclusive preview of 2026 festival highlights coming this autumn, and hear from our special guest Jan Carson, the award-winning Northern Irish novelist and author of The Raptures.

Join Belfast-based award winning author Jan Carson in conversation about her new book 'Few and Far Between'!

Prepare to be enchanted! Come on a magical adventure, a perilous trip to another world  with four of the most imaginative writers.

Jan Carson imagines an alternative version of Northern Ireland’s recent past where this mad plan to drain Lough Neagh goes ahead, exposing an archipelago of tiny islands in the middle of the lake (which really exist) that become home to a community seeking refuge from the Troubles. 

If you've always wanted to read Woolf but have been put off by stuffy academia, our panel will save you. Enjoyable, lively and moving, her novels ring true even a hundred years on. No one should be afraid of Virginia Woolf!

Join us for an evening with bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell, as we celebrate the release of her new novel, Land.

Celebrate the publication of A Hosting: Interviews with Irish Writers 1991-2026 (Lilliput Press) with Martin Doyle, Books Editor of the Irish Times and acclaimed author of Dirty Linen. 

Join author Henrietta McKervey in conversation with Jan Carson to discuss her twisty, atmospheric novel The Woman in the Water.

Join Jan to discuss her magically surreal novel in conversation with Heather Parry, author of the contemporary Gothic novel Carrion Crow.

Join us for an informal, irreverent and entertaining evening of book-related trivia with host Jan Carson.

Join bestselling crime fiction writer Sophie Hannah for a discussion about her new standalone novel The Opposite of Murder, as well as a deep dive into her Poirot novels - Sophie was signed up by the Christie Estate to continue the Belgian detective’s legacy. 

Chaired by short-story writer Lucy Caldwell, editor of Being Various, this conversation explores the role of anthologies, and the inevitably political role of anthologising, in the celebration and circulation of the Irish short story. 

Jeet Thayil and Jan Carson in conversation with Manasi Subramanian

A panel discussion chaired by Conor Kostick on the use of science fiction in literature, and on influential sci-fi or speculative fiction books which have informed real life and continue to spark the imagination.

Join us for the launch of Issue 11 of TOLKA, in which Darragh McCausland takes us on a haunted trip to Sicily and Georgie Evans reflects on fruit, rot, and friendship. We also have two incredible works in translation, including excerpts from Samar Yazbek’s forthcoming book Your Presence Is a Danger to Your Life: Survival and Witness in Gaza and new work commissioned by Polly Barton, our translator-in-residence for 2026. Join us to celebrate this new issue at the beautiful Books Upstairs, where we’ll have readings from contributors, with copies available for sale.

We are really excited to welcome Jan Carson to Juno to discuss her latest novel, ‘Few and Far Between’ in which she imagines an alternative version of Northern Ireland’s recent past. 

Join Jan and Caoilinn Hughes for a chat about Few and Far Between

From the award-winning author of The Raptures and The Fire Starters, a stunning, imaginative novel about a community living on a small group of islands. Join us for an Edinburgh lauch of  Few and Far Between!

The event will consist of an interview with Jan by Lanarkshire based, award-winning author Elissa Soave, audience Q&A and book signing. Light refreshments will be provided.

In conversation with Margaret Kelleher, Professor and Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature & Drama, UCD.

In this interactive and informative two-hour workshop, you’ll learn a little about the history and tradition of magical realism and work through some exercises exploring how you can weave the fantastical and surreal into stories of the everyday.

Join us as we welcom Jan Carson to our shop to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, Few and Far Between.

Jan Carson is visiting Elk Books! We are delighted to be included in Jan's book tour , showcasing her latest book, Few and Far Between.

Mermaid Arts Centre is delighted to partner with Bridge Street Books to bring an exciting evening of literature to the Assembly Hall, Wicklow Town with renowned authors Jan Carson and Sarah Moss facilitated by Wicklow author Olivia Fitzsimons.

A conversation between Irish writers, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, Louise Nealon and Jan Carson on the topic, Belonging and Identity

A reading an in-conversation between Irish writers, Jan Carson, Louise Nealon and Éilís Ní Dhuibhne and Moroccan writers, Mhani Alaoui, Soukaina Habiballah and Hafsa Bekri Lamrani hosted by Irish Ambassador to Morocco, Helena Nolan

Join Jan for a free and informative illustrated talk about the history, culture and background to Few and Far Between.