What happens when we read? What is it that we get from losing ourselves in a novel?  Does reading actually improve our wellbeing? 

Guest: Claire North

Claire North is a pseudonym for Catherine Webb, who wrote several novels in various genres before publishing their first major work as Claire North, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It was a critically acclaimed success, receiving rave reviews and becoming a word-of-mouth bestseller. They have since published several hugely popular and critically acclaimed novels, won the World Fantasy Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and been shortlisted for the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Philip K. Dick Award. They live in London.

They will be in conversation with Philippa Cochrane who is the Head of Porgramme at Scottish Book Trust and Katherine Wilkinson, the Scottish Book Trust’s Head of Evaluation and Research.

This event is based on the ongoing Reading and Wellbeing research project by Dr Sarah McGeown from the University of Edinburgh.

About the event

Running time: 55 minutes

Venue: Theatre

Price: £8/£6 concession - In Person - or £3 Live Stream - (plus 50p booking fee)

This event takes place in person and is broadcast via live stream.

A recording of this event will be available to catch-up on our YouTube until Sunday 12th July 2026. Ticket holders and weekend pass owners will receive the catch-up link automatically after the festival. Please keep an eye on your SPAM.

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