This Week in Review at #DBF2020

What a week of festivities we’ve had here at Dublin Book Festival! With a wide array of events, the week catered for all literary tastes. Tuesday evening saw The Skin Nerd herself, Jennifer Rock, join us for a conversation with journalist Nadine Reid. The two talked skin care science, busting myths and giving excellent tips for the implementation of a quick and easy skin care routine.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, psychologist Niamh Fitzpatrick joined us to discuss a different way of caring for yourself: with Neil Delamere, she discussed the devastation of immeasurable grief, which for her takes the form of losing her beloved sister, Dara, but also about the importance of maintaining hope throughout this grief, and finding ways to care for yourself within it.

The scientifically minded amongst us were catered for with our ‘in conversation’ event with Ireland’s only Nobel Prize winner in Physiology, Dr. William C. Campbell. He talked about his conflicting emotions upon hearing he was being awarded the Nobel Prize, his fond memories of his childhood in Donegal, and the intersection of his scientific and creative interests – he loves to paint the parasites he studies!

On Thursday evening, then, crime novel enthusiasts were treated to our fantastic ‘Killing for a Living’ panel event in partnership with the Murder One Festival, featuring some of Ireland’s most talented crime writers: Jane Casey, Andrea Carter, Liz Nugent, Brian McGilloway, and Catherine Ryan Howard. A lively discussion unfolded, touching on the merits of series versus standalones, and how to write a strong opening hook.

We didn’t forget about our younger readers, as we held a whole series of DBF Christmas Bedtime Stories throughout the week. Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu, former Ireland and international rugby player, Gordon D’Arcy, Laureate na nÓg, Áine Ní Ghlinn, and author, Marian Keyes, all provided us with festive readings from their favourite children’s Christmas books. And we still have one instalment of the series left – join Paul Noonan of BellX1 tonight at 6.30pm as he reads ‘The Snow Beast’ by Chris Judge to the backdrop of the National Concert Hall.

What a week, indeed! And the best part? All of these events are now available for playback on our website by clicking here.