Why Bowen Matters: A Conference Celebrating Elizabeth Bowen

Join us for this very special hybrid event celebrating the legendary Irish writer Elizabeth Bowen on her birthday.

Renowned for her novels and short stories, including The Death of the Heart, The Heat of the Day, and The Last September, Elizabeth Bowen is one of Ireland’s most enduring literary figures.

Since 2022, the Elizabeth Bowen Society have organised an annual lecture for the writer’s birthday, and this year the Irish Writers Centre is delighted to collaborate on this fantastic day exploring and discussing the legacy of Elizabeth Bowen.

Note: This is a hybrid event and attendees can attend in person at the Irish Writers Centre or via Zoom.

The morning’s panel discussion between Danielle McLaughlin, John Banville and Nuala O’Connor is €15, while the afternoon annual birthday lecture is free to attend.

Timetable:

Welcome: 11.00 – 11.15am Join us for light refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) and an opportunity to meet each other before we get started with our discussions for the day.

Why Bowen Matters – A Panel Discussion

11.15am – 12.45pm: This panel discussion will see novelists John Banville and Danielle McLaughlin consider Bowen’s importance as an Irish writer. Moderated by writer and Bowen Society Board member Nuala O’Connor

BREAK 12.45pm – 1.30pm

Annual Bowen Birthday Lecture

1.30pm – 3.00pm: Annual Birthday Lecture by Bowen expert Diana Hirst, author of The Aesthetic of Elizabeth Bowen’s Novels – Light, Atmosphere, Fragmentation, and Sensation.

Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.

If you’d like to attend online you can book here. In person tickets are available here.