Award-winning writers Claire Lynch and Claire Adam come together for a compelling conversation about their acclaimed novels, exploring mothers and daughters, hidden truths and the enduring consequences of choices that shape generations.

Claire Lynch’s debut A Family Matter moves between 1980s Britain and the present day to explore the impact of a mother’s forbidden love, a father’s determination to keep his family together and a daughter navigating a legacy she never chose.

‘One of those books that takes up residence inside of you and welds itself onto your soul.’ Nigella Lawson

Claire Adam’s powerful new novel Love Forms follows a woman searching for the daughter she was forced to leave behind as a teenager, asking whether love can survive decades of silence and separation.

‘From the very first page, I knew I was in the hands of a master storyteller. An utterly arresting tale of love and grief, of the wounding and healing powers of family, of the many guises of a mother’s love. It’s an absolute triumph.’ Sara Collins

Together, they will discuss writing emotionally resonant family stories and exploring identity, prejudice, love and belonging through fiction. Join us for a thought-provoking and unforgettable evening celebrating two extraordinary novelists. Hosted by Kate Feld.

Claire Lynch is Winner of the Nero Gold Book of the Year Award for A Family Matter. She teaches literature and is also the author of Small: On Motherhoods. She lives in Windsor with her wife and daughters.

Claire Adam was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. She was educated in the US and now lives in London with her husband and children. Her first novel, Golden Child, won multiple prizes and was named one of the BBC’s ‘100 Novels that shaped the world.’ Love Forms was longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize.

Kate Feld is a writer, editor and journalism lecturer at University of Salford. Deeryard is her debut poetry and photography pamphlet.

Location: Waterstones Deansgate