State of the Art: The Booker Prize

Sydney Writers’ Festival Live and Local

State of the Art: The Booker Prize

For novelists, winning a Booker Prize, one of the most coveted literary awards in the world, is a career- and life-changing achievement.

In this special event, a dazzling array of shortlisted writers and winners reflect on how it shaped their writing lives and read from the works that brought them recognition.

Hear panel discussion with 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay (Flesh), 2025 Chair of the judges and previous winner Roddy Doyle (Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha), Susan Choi (Flashlight), Yann Martel (Life of Pi) and Charlotte Wood (Stone Yard Devotional). With host ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.

Sydney Writers’ Festival – Live & Local 2026

Sydney Writers’ Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of books and ideas, bringing the world’s finest authors and esteemed thinkers together for insightful and exhilarating conversations and discussions.

Join us for Live & Local 2026, streamed live by Sydney Writers’ Festival and delivered locally to the Subiaco Library on Thursday 21, Friday 22, Saturday 23, and Sunday 24 May. Prepare to be invigorated and engaged by conversations, debates and discussions featuring some of the world’s finest writers and thinkers.

Additional information

Getting to the event:

Subiaco Library has limited parking bays available. For more information on getting around Subiaco visit the city’s website.

Access and inclusion:

Subiaco Library is wheelchair accessible for additional information please contact Subiaco Library on 9237 9300.

Ticket information:

You are not required to bring a ticket with you. In the case of a booked-out event, names may be checked at the door.

Further information:

For more events and programs at Subiaco Library visit the City of Subiaco events calendar, follow the Subiaco Library on Facebook or join the Cultural Services e-newsletter database by emailing library@subiaco.wa.gov.au