Here at hay festival. Founded in 1987, around the Kitchen Table in wales, the hay festival has been bringing readers, writers, and fingers together for 30 years. And it has evolved into a global celebration of literature, culture, and science. Thinkers together. Tonight, i am delighted to be speaking to Sebastian Barry. He is one of irelands finest writers. In his fiction is often rooted in stories passed down through his family. His latest novel, it days without end, is set in america in the mid 19th century. Novel, days. Iam i am delighted to be hit today to talk to Sebastian Barry, who, lets be honest, does not need an introduction from me. He is a prolific poet, playwright, and novelist. Twice nominated for the Man Booker Prize or fiction. Novelist. Twice nominated for the Man Booker Prize orfiction. And the winner of countless other prizes and plaudits for his nine novels and 1a players. Not bad for somebody who could not read or write until he was nine. So, Sebastian Barry, given