If fiction is your thing, then Monty Lit Fest 2025 is the place to be – because this year we’re delighted to welcome five fiction writers at the very top of their game.
Between them, they’ve written novels, short stories, children’s books and screenplays, sold thousands of books and won multiple awards, whether a Costa Novel Award or numerous Wales Book of the Year accolades. And with good reason. This is fiction writing at its very best, whether they’re tackling contemporary or historical themes; writing in Welsh or English; for the page or screen; short-form or long-form.
First up to launch our Saturday sessions is Jonathan Coe, who will need no introduction to those of us who related to the teenage angst of The Rotters’ Club or marvelled at the sharp social and political observation of Middle England and Bournville. He’ll be telling us about his writing life and his latest novel, The Proof of My Innocence, a rather unusual take on the cosy crime genre.
Carys Davies is already a firm Monty Lit Fest favourite and we’re looking forward to hearing how she manages to pack such a punch into her short stories and novels. It’ll also be an opportunity to learn more about the influences for her latest novel, Clear, a remarkable story of difference and connection set on a remote Shetland island during the Highland Clearances in the 1840s.
Readers of Welsh will undoubtedly want to meet Angharad Price, award-winning author of the classic O, Tyn y Gorchudd. Angharad will speak about her latest novel, Nelan a Bo, a love story set at the time of change, as the industrial revolution and nonconformity take hold in Wales.
Making a welcome return to Monty Lit Fest, Annie Garthwaite is joining us to celebrate the publication of the paperback edition of The King’s Mother, a sequel to the much-loved Cecily. So, it’s back to the Wars of the Roses for us on the Sunday morning of the Festival for Annie’s brilliant evocation of treachery and betrayal – and the three women who can all lay claim to the title, The King’s Mother.
And no fiction lover will want to miss the chance to meet the Welsh literary giant, Caryl Lewis, novelist, children’s writer, playwright and screenwriter. We can’t wait to hear how she has mastered so many literary formats in both Welsh and English. And it’ll be one of the first chances to hear about Caryl’s brand-new novel, Bitter Honey, which promises to be another tour de force.
So, who will you choose? Or maybe you’ll treat yourself to a weekend pass so that you won’t miss a thing.
Tickets are on sale now, available online and in person at The Montgomery Bookshop and Ivy House Cafe in Montgomery.