MLF26: The Observer Book Club with Yann Martel
Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama
14th October 2026
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Booker Prize-winning author Yann Martel, internationally acclaimed for the modern classic Life of Pi, visits Manchester Literature Festival for this exclusive North West event to discuss his remarkable new novel, Son of Nobody.
Inspired by Homer’s Iliad, Yann reimagines the Trojan War through the eyes of an ordinary foot soldier, interweaving his story with that of a modern-day scholar uncovering a lost ancient text in Oxford. Blending myth, history and contemporary life, Son of Nobody is an epic and profound exploration of storytelling, memory, family, and the enduring power of the past.
Yann will reflect on the inspirations behind his latest work, the timeless relevance of the classics and the themes that continue to shape his writing. Hosted by Erica Wagner.
‘Son of Nobody invites readers to take part in its playfulness, ensnares them with a superb imitation epic, and then slowly shatters their hearts’ Financial Times
A Manchester Literature Festival event co-presented with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.
Yann Martel is the award-winning author of Life of Pi, which won the 2002 Booker Prize and was adapted into Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film. He has also written The High Mountains of Portugal and Beatrice & Virgil.
This event will be recorded for The Observer Book Club podcast, hosted by the Observer’s Literary Editor, Tom Gatti. The Observer Book Club brings to life great stories, ideas and debate. You can listen in your preferred podcast app.
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