Glasshouse Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service present:
Rumaan Alam, Robbie Arnott, Samantha Harvey, Torrey Peters: State of the Art: The Novel
Four brilliant practitioners examine the health of the novel
The novel has continued to evolve since its inception as a major literary form centuries ago.
It has seen styles and genres come and go, adaptation and translation between languages and cultures and countless publishing trends and cycles.
In this panel discussion featuring four extraordinary novelists, Rumaan Alam (Entitlement), Robbie Arnott (Dusk), Samantha Harvey (Orbital) and Torrey Peters (Stag Dance), join host Kate Evans (ABC Radio National’s The Bookshelf) to consider the novel, its place in contemporary times and how their work fits into the larger literary landscape.
Samantha Harvey appears thanks to the support of Fiona and Matthew Playfair.
Relax, Refuel, Connect
Relax in our SWF Lounge between sessions and take the opportunity to chat and meet like-mined people. Tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.
Exclusive Offer
Present your Sydney Writers’ Festival ticket or VIP Festival Pass at Book Face in Port Central or Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie to receive a 10% discount* on books by featured authors in the Live & Local Program. This exclusive offer is valid from 10am Thursday 22 May to 4pm Sunday 25 May, 2025.
*Final discount and qualifying books at the discretion of Book Face and Collins Booksellers management.
Full Program Here(PDF, 2MB) Book Day & Festival Passes Here

Part of Glasshouse SELECT 2025 Theatre Program
Part of Education @ Glasshouse 2025 Theatre Program