Literary Icon Sir Ben Okri Talks About His New Novel And The Importance Of Storytelling In Challenging Times

It’s 35 years since Sir Ben Okri made a big splash in the literary world when he won the Booker Prize for Fiction with his acclaimed novel, The Famished Road.

It made Okri the youngest ever winner of this prestigious prize at the age of just 32, catapulting him into the spotlight.

Since then, the Nigerian-born writer, who was awarded a knighthood in 2023 for his services to literature, has become one of our most admired literary figures.

The acclaimed novelist, poet and cultural activist joins the line-up at this year’s Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival (11-25 Oct) where he will discuss his latest novel, Waking the Warriors, which has garnered rave reviews following its publication this summer.

Drawing on the ancient legend of sleeping warriors who rise when they are needed most, Waking the Warriors is a powerful and timely story about courage, hope and the strength of the human spirit. Set in a fictional world, this fable explores what it means to confront fear, protect what matters most and find the resilience to face an uncertain future.

Sir Ben, who is appearing at the Festival during Black History Month, will discuss the inspirations behind his novel and the ideas that shaped its unforgettable characters and themes. He will reflect on the role of myth and imagination in his writing, the importance of storytelling in challenging times and the ways in which fiction can help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

With 13 novels to his name, including Astonishing the Gods, which was selected as one of the BBC’s ‘100 novels that shaped our world’, his work has been translated into more than 28 languages.

Renowned for his lyrical prose and profound insight into the human condition, Sir Ben has captivated generations of readers through stories that blend the magical with the philosophical.

His Harrogate appearance is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the world’s most celebrated writers as he explores the creative process and the enduring power of literature to inspire, challenge and transform.

Waking the Warriors with Ben Okri – The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, Sunday, 11 October, 1.30pm. Tickets £20.

Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.