Family relationships, how they are shaped and how they shape us, is the topic of discussion between two authors whose work addresses intertwined lives and secrets that cast long shadows. 

Born in India, Cauvery Madhavan moved to Ireland 40 years ago, and her first book, Paddy Indian was published in 2001. Her novel, The Tainted, was chosen by Laureate Sebastian Barry for his Laureate Picks 2020. It was one of A Post Irish Book Awards’ Top Summer Reads and was chosen by The Times for their list of top 40 Historical Fiction novels. Her most recent book, The Inheritance, was published in 2024. A keen golfer and cook, she has three children and lives with her husband in County Kildare.

Louise Nealon is a writer from County Kildare. Her debut novel, Snowflake, was the winner of Newcomer of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards and was chosen for the One Dublin One Book campaign in 2024. Her second novel Everything That Is Beautiful was published in April 2026.