Siri Hustvedt: Life After Paul Auster

What remains after the person you love most is gone?

Joining us live from New York, internationally acclaimed novelist, essayist and thinker Siri Hustvedt discusses Ghost Stories, her intimate memoir written in the aftermath of the death of her husband, the celebrated writer Paul Auster, in 2024.

Reflecting on more than four decades of shared life, literature, creativity and loss, Hustvedt explores grief not as an ending but as a strange, haunting continuation of love.

One of the most important literary voices of her generation, and author of What I Loved and The Summer Without Men, Hustvedt brings her trademark intelligence, emotional precision and philosophical depth to a book that has captivated readers around the world.

A rare conversation about memory, mourning and the stories that stay long after death.

Please note Siri Hustvedt will be joining us online.

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.