Episode Details

Maggie O'Farrell joins The Bibliofilles to discuss her extraordinary new novel, Land.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Maggie explores the Irish history, mythology and landscape that inspired the book, the lasting legacy of the Great Hunger, and why the land itself becomes a living character in her fiction. We also discuss historical research, writing authentic historical novels, family, memory, grief, parenthood, and the stories of ordinary people caught inside major historical events.

Maggie shares insights into her bestselling novels Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait, reveals how Irish myths shaped her storytelling, and explains the fascinating real-world history behind Ireland's sacred wells and folklore.

We also go behind the scenes of adapting Hamnet for the screen, writing a screenplay, collaborating with filmmakers, and experiencing the journey from novel to Oscar-winning adaptation.

Topics covered:

Land by Maggie O'Farrell

Historical fiction writing

The Irish Great Hunger

Irish mythology and folklore

Hamnet adaptation

The Marriage Portrait

Researching historical novels

Family, memory and trauma

Writing process and creativity

Novel writing vs screenwriting

If you enjoy conversations about books, literature, writing, historical fiction and storytelling, subscribe to The Bibliofilles for more author interviews and literary discussions.

👇 All books mentioned are linked below 👇

Land by Maggie O'Farrell

👉 https://amzn.to/4x5CeGF

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

👉 https://amzn.to/4vo2hHj

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

👉 https://amzn.to/4vlCuj2

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell

👉 https://amzn.to/4x2nF6N

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