The NBC is proud to host one of the most notable literary luminaries of the moment: award-winning Irish author Paul Lynch. In conversation with journalist Emma Mattei, Lynch will delve into the key themes and preoccupations threaded through his five novels — among them Booker Prize-winning Prophet Song (2023). Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of literature’s most compelling voices!

Paul Lynch is the author of five novels. His most recent novel, Prophet Song, won the 2023 Booker Prize. He has previously won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year and France’s Prix Libr’à Nous for Best Foreign Novel, among other prizes. He has been shortlisted for many international awards, including the UK’s Walter Scott Prize, Italy’s Strega European Prize, France’s Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger, Prix Littérature-Monde, and the Jean Monnet Prize for European Literature. In 2024, he was appointed Distinguished Writing Fellow at Maynooth University and was elected to Aosdána, the Irish academy for the arts honouring distinguished artists. His novels have been translated into over 30 languages.

Emma Mattei is an independent arts and culture journalist, film programmer and curator. She is a co-founder of Kinemastik NGO (2004, Malta), and Program Director of the Kinemastik International Short Film Festival. She founded Uncommon Guide Books in 2011, publishing editions in Malta, Stockholm, London, Dubai and Cairo. In 2024, she formed part of the curatorial team of the inaugural Malta contemporary art biennial. She also works as a Home Economist and Food Stylist for publishing, TV and Film.

Paul Lynch’s participation was made possible with the support of the Embassy of Ireland in Malta.