Astrid Goldsmith & Wendy Holden: The Holocaust & the Next Generation

As the last generation of Holocaust survivors passes from living memory into history, how do we preserve their stories – and what happens when we don’t?

Writer and illustrator Astrid Goldsmith and bestselling historian and novelist Wendy Holden (author of the best-selling Holocaust biography Born Survivors) come together for a powerful conversation about family, memory and the legacies we inherit.

In her acclaimed graphic memoir The Crystal Vase, Goldsmith unravels the secrets, objects and tangled histories of her German-Jewish family.

Meanwhile, Holden’s The Teacher of Auschwitz fictionalises the extraordinary true story of Fredy Hirsch, whose courage helped protect hundreds of children inside the Nazi death camp.

Together, they explore how stories survive across generations, why remembrance matters, and what the past still has to teach us about identity, resilience and humanity today.

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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.