Chaos of War through Fiction with European Union Prize for Literature Winner, Lana Bastašić

Can we ever escape the friendships that shape us? Award-winning writer Lana Bastašić explores memory, identity and belonging in a captivating conversation about Catch the Rabbit, a novel that follows two childhood friends on an unexpected road trip across the Balkans. As the journey unfolds, so do long buried resentments, shifting loyalties and the enduring impact of war. This is a compelling opportunity to hear one of Europe's most distinctive literary voices discuss friendship, displacement and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.

Winner of the European Union Prize for Literature, Catch the Rabbit established Lana Bastašić as one of the most exciting contemporary novelists writing in Europe. Praised by critics as witty, emotionally perceptive and brilliantly observed, the novel examines female friendship against the backdrop of post war Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters, Bastašić explores identity, exile and the search for home with intelligence, humour and compassion. Her work has been translated into more than twenty languages and continues to attract readers around the world.

In conversation with journalist Luke O'Connell, Lana Bastašić will delve into the inspiration behind Catch the Rabbit, her writing process and the themes that have made her work resonate with readers across Europe. Luke O'Connell is a freelance journalist from Dingle. He previously worked in digital communications for the Catherine Connolly presidential campaign and holds a Master's in Newspaper Journalism from City, University of London.

Expect an honest, thought provoking and deeply engaging discussion that will stay with you long after the event ends. Whether you have read Catch the Rabbit or are discovering Lana Bastašić for the first time, this is an unmissable conversation.

Venue Accessibilty information here