Beautiful, Wilful & Adrift: Cork World Book Fest 2025

Kathleen Murray and Lisa Harding, in conversation with Paul McVeigh.

‘If John Irving had been born in Carlow, he would have written The Deadwood Encore by Kathleen Murray. There are similarities in Murray’s tragicomedy, her colourful players, her celebration of the heroism involved in fraternal love. There’s so much here to delight in – fizzing dialogue, offbeat characters, flights of fancy and mad escapades… Kathleen has the guts to take on what’s miraculous and eerie, and spins Frank’s story shrewdly, irreverently, and fondly. A brilliant debut.’

‘Gothic and gloriously entertaining, Lisa Harding’s third novel arrives to fill the Secret History-shaped hole in your lives. Wilde is an elite university in Dublin, full of bright young people who talk about poetry and arthouse cinema, act in plays and have turbulent affairs. Jessica and Linda, friends since childhood, are immediately swept up by the glamour and romance. But then Linda meets Mark, a darkly enigmatic figure, and soon tragedy strikes.’ (The Guardian)

Kathleen Murray was born in Carlow and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. She has published work in The Stinging Fly, Dublin Review, Winter Papers and various anthologies. The Deadwood Encore, her first novel, was published by Harper Collins in 2022. Set in Carlow, it tells the story of Frank Whelan, a seventh son of a seventh son, and his journey of self-discovery. Details of her work can be found at www.kathleenmurray.ie

Lisa Harding is a former actress, playwright and novelist. Her first novel Harvesting won the Kate O’Brien Award and was shortlisted for an Irish Book Award and the Kerry Group Prize. Her second novel Bright Burning Things was a Today Show Book Club Pick, a New York Times Editors’ Choice and a People Magazine Pick. It was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year and a Dalkey Literary Award. She lives in Dublin.

Paul McVeigh’s debut novel, The Good Son, won The Polari First Novel Prize and The McCrea Literary Award, and was shortlisted for many others including The Prix du Roman Cezam. Paul’s short stories have been in numerous anthologies, journals and newspapers, as well as, on BBC Radio 3, 4 & 5, and Sky Arts. His ten-part short story series, The Circus, aired on BBC Radio 4 in 2023. Paul co-founded London Short Story Festival and has edited three anthologies. He has judged numerous literary prizes and his writing has been translated into eight languages. His new collection, I Hear You, was published by Salt Publishing in March 2025.