Emma Jane Unsworth: Slags and the Ghosts of Girlhood
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From the bestselling author of Animals and Adults comes an emotionally fearless new novel about sex, shame, sisterhood – and the teenage identities that never quite leave us.
Emma Jane Unsworth joins us to discuss Slags, a darkly funny and unflinching exploration of obsession, fantasy and growing up (again). At 41, Sarah is still partying hard, still resisting the pressure to settle down – but a boozy road trip with her sister Juliette becomes a reckoning with the past: awkward crushes, adult regrets, and the deep damage done by the labels girls are given too young.
Blending biting wit with blistering vulnerability, Unsworth dismantles everything from “wellness culture” to motherhood myths, offering a bold alternative to the “sad girl” literary trend. Slags is about burning it all down to find what still matters – and maybe, even now, starting again. Expect a wild ride through memory, identity and desire from one of the most daring voices in British fiction today.
Emma will be in conversation with Alexandra Haddow – one of the most popular acts on the UK comedy circuit. A rising star known for her razor-sharp humour and fearless stage presence, Alexandra has supported the likes of Frankie Boyle and Bill Bailey, and performed everywhere from Reading and Leeds Festivals to sold-out Soho gigs. Expect a brilliantly bold conversation full of honesty, hilarity and cultural insight.
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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.
We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.
And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.
There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.
We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.
We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.