Jonathan Freedland: Traitors or Heroes?

What would you risk – to do what’s right? In The Traitors Circle, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Jonathan Freedland (The Escape Artist) uncovers the astonishing true story of a secret resistance network inside Hitler’s inner circle. Countesses, army officers, diplomats, even a former model – bold enough to plot against one of history’s most brutal regimes, yet betrayed from within. This is history that reads like a thriller — and asks timeless, terrifying questions about courage, complicity and conscience.

Freedland brings his trademark insight and storytelling prowess to this gripping tale of rebellion and moral reckoning — one with chilling echoes for our own fractured times. A longtime Guardian columnist, BBC presenter and Orwell Prize winner, he reflects on what it means to resist authoritarianism — and how ordinary people can shape the future, even in the darkest of hours.

For anyone in Folkestone who believes in the power of truth, freedom and the written word, this is an unmissable evening of real-life drama, political urgency and the human will to resist.

The event will be chaired by Lennox Morrison. Lennox is an award-winning journalist who has been a Paris-based columnist for the Wall Street Journal and a reporter for Scottish Television in France, Germany and Portugal. Having lectured in journalism at Canterbury Christ Church University, she now brings empathy and curiosity to every event she chairs.

Please note: this event lasts for one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase the book upstairs in The Clearing and have it signed by the author

FIND OUT MORE

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.