BBC World Service World Book Club Celebrates 15th Birthday with Sebastian Barry at Book Festival

We're pleased today to announce that Sebastian Barry will be discussing his novel The Secret Scripture in a recording of the BBC World Service’s World Book Club at the Book Festival on Tuesday 15 August at 8.15pm.

This conversation with Barry at the Book Festival marks the 15th anniversary programme of the World Book Club, which recorded its very first interview, with Garrison Keillor, at the Book Festival in 2001.  Since then the programme has featured leading writers from around the world, and makes a welcome return to Edinburgh in August.

Barry will be in conversation with presenter Harriett Gilbert answering questions sent in from listeners from around the world, and from audience members present at the Book Festival event, about The Secret Scripture, his lyrical and energetic novel of troubled Irish memories which won the 2008 Costa Prize, The James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. It was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

Karen Holden, Producer of World Book Club said “We are very much looking forward to talking to Sebastian Barry at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The event will take the form of a discussion and audience participation is a key part of our recording – we are looking for all Book Festival event ticket holders to send in their questions to have the chance to pose them direct to Sebastian on the day.”

All audience members are encouraged to email their questions for Sebastian Barry about The Secret Scripture to Karen.holden@bbc.co.uk before 9th August. Tickets for the recording of World Book Club with Sebastian Barry are free and available now: book online or call our box office on 0845 373 5888.