Family Secrets: Laura Barnett, Yvvette Edwards and Jennie Godfrey

What happens when family secrets refuse to stay buried? When friendships are tested by time? When entire communities are built on stories that may not be true?

Join three contemporary novelists, Yvvette Edwards, Laura Barnett and Jennie Godfrey, for a warm, funny and deeply moving conversation about the ties that bind us together.

In Yvvette Edwards’ Good Good Loving, a family gathers at the bedside of a dying matriarch as old grievances, sacrifices and hidden truths come tumbling into the light. Laura Barnett’s Births, Deaths and Marriages follows a close-knit group of friends through a year of love, loss and life-changing decisions, while Jennie Godfrey’s The Barbecue at No 9 uncovers the secrets simmering beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary Yorkshire street.

Together, these bestselling and critically acclaimed authors explore family, friendship, community and the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love.

FIND OUT MORE

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.