AFTER. Attacking tired gender stereotypes, these extraordinary writers consider the ways in which women are personally and professionally stigmatised  – and what shape the costs and consequences might take. Rich with nuanced characters and moral complexity, these four propulsive stories flip the script on victimhood.

The growing pains of a generation are vividly examined in these four very different books. Acerbic autofiction, penetrating memoir, anecdotal comedy and the wild world of reality television come together for a session that, to paraphrase Lena Dunham, asks – what if I were a voice of a generation? 

QUEER AS. Erudite essays, lyrical poetry, a queer reimagining of history and a unique take on the murder mystery provide very different contexts for these authors’ explorations of queerness.

MODERN LIFE. Neoliberal hellscapes, long-distance relationships and the absolute state of things are all on the agenda in this scintillating chat. If you’ve ever lied about being bilingual to get a job, had a desultory affair with a married man or engaged in terrific and/or questionable sex, then this panel is not to be missed.

CRIME TIME. These authors take compellingly different approaches to telling classic crime and suspense. Featuring spies, psychics, conspiracy theories and imagination come to life.

MYSTICAL AND MYTHICAL RESETS. Ancient tales are given modern twists in the hands of these enchanting authors, who draw upon mythic pasts to break new ground in genre writing. Imagining the what-ifs of history, these books place us in conversation with the past.