One of the great privileges of literary festivals is hearing great writers discuss their work. Cúirt have got two here, as Kevin Barry and Eimear McBride reveal how and why they craft such unforgettable stories.

Kevin Barry, known for his deep sense of place and voice, presents The Heart in Winter, his highly anticipated ‘western with a Cork accent’. Set in the 1890s American West, this atmospheric tale of romantic runaways combines gothic undertones with an epic feel. Described as ‘terse and acrobatic’ the novel is a masterful blend of beauty, humor, and adventure.

Kevin Barry has published three short story collections and three novels, including the Goldsmiths Prize-winning Beatlebone and the Booker-longlisted Night Boat to Tangier.

Eimear McBride, the trailblazing author of A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing and The Lesser Bohemians, offers a glimpse into her new novel, The City Changes Its Face. An intimate and immersive story of passion and family, the book revisits the characters from The Lesser Bohemians, exploring the complexities of love and obsession in 1990s London. Hailed as ‘a writer of remarkable power and originality’ by TLS, McBride’s work is celebrated for its groundbreaking narrative style and emotional depth.