What role do critics, publishers and book clubs play in bringing translated literature to the public?

The conversations are inspired by Literature Ireland's collection of Irish literature in translation, which are also included in the National Library's book collection.

What role do critics, publishers and book clubs play in bringing translated literature to the public? In this event, publisher Stephen Reid and writers Sara Baume and Jan Carson will discuss the importance of reading fiction in translation and consider what can be done to inspire readers to read more widely.

Jan Carson is the author of four novels, three short-story collections and two micro-fiction collections. In 2022, she co-founded Mexico and Below, a book group that meets in No Alibis bookstore to discuss work in translation. She lives in East Belfast.

Sara Baume is a writer and visual artist based in West Cork. In 2026, began writing a new translated fiction column in The Irish Times. Her latest book, a non-fiction work entitled Opening Night, will be published by Granta in July 2026.

Stephen Reid is Publishing Manager of The Lilliput Press. Lilliput has published works in translation by writers Maylis Besserie, Sorj Chalandon and Seosamh Mac Grianna.

The series celebrates the roles of Irish writers, publishers and translators in bringing Irish literature to a European readership and the Irish readers who read European literature in translation.

Description supplied by the event organiser.