2026 Cheuse Lecture: "Stories of Sanctuary" with Colm Tóibín

Author Colm Tóibín presents the 2026 Cheuse Lecture, plus a Q&A and book signing

The Alan Cheuse International Writers Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with a lecture by acclaimed Irish author Colm Tóibín. Join us at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax for this free talk, which includes a conversation with German journalist Malte Herwig (The Woman Who Says No)!

"Stories of Sanctuary" reflects on the nature of identity, exile, and belonging, questioning what it means to seek and create refuge through literature. It focuses on Tóibín's recent work, including his new short story collection The News from Dublin and his biographical novel The Magician.

After the Q&A, there will be a book signing with Bards Alley providing copies for purhase. If you are interested in a specific title, we recommend calling Bards Alley ahead of time at (571) 459-2653 to place an order for pick-up.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required through George Mason University at this link: eventbrite.com/e/colm-toibin-stories-of-sanctuary-tickets-1977138213620

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colm Tóibín is the author of eleven novels, including Long Island, an Oprah’s Book Club Pick; The Magician, winner of the Rathbones Folio Prize; The Master, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; Brooklyn, winner of the Costa Book Award; and Nora Webster, winner of the Hawthornden Prize, as well as three story collections and several books of criticism. He is the Irene and Sidney B. Silverman Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University and was named the 2022–2024 Laureate for Irish Fiction by the Arts Council of Ireland. In 2021, he was awarded the David Cohen Prize for Literature.

ABOUT THE CHEUSE LECTURE SERIES

Founded in 2023, the Cheuse Lecture of Ideas series brings leading international writers into conversation with audiences across Northern Virginia and greater Washington, D.C. region. The series highlights literature’s role in shaping civic and cultural dialogue, drawing attendees from more than 22 cities each year. The center previously featured Azar Nafisi, Nikki Giovanni, and Dinaw Mengestu.