We were honoured to welcome acclaimed author Maggie O’Farrell to Wasing for the launch of her highly anticipated new novel, Land, in partnership with Hungerford Bookshop.
Our ancient woodlands provided a breathtaking backdrop for this special literary gathering on the day of publication, as Maggie joined 200 guests beneath the canopy of Wasing Woods to mark the release of a novel deeply rooted in landscape, history and the enduring relationship between people and place.
Following the extraordinary success of Hamnet, whose film adaptation earned Golden Globe and BAFTA wins alongside multiple Academy Award nominations, Maggie shared the inspirations behind Land in conversation with interviewer and broadcaster Hannah MacInnes, offering fascinating insights into the themes and creative process that brought the story to life.
Set in 1865, the story follows a mapmaker and his family living in the shadow of the Great Famine. Their fate is woven through the history and geography of a windswept peninsula on the West Coast of Ireland where they make their home. A copse in an ancient woodland, a sacred well and a loyal dog all play a role in this story of buried treasure, overlapping lives and how, when it comes to both land and history, nothing ever goes away.
As guests gathered, traditional Irish fiddle music inspired by one of the novel’s characters drifted through the woods while red kites circled overhead. Alongside the music, guests enjoyed London Nootropics adaptogenic coffee and locally sourced food prepared by Wasing’s Well Fed chefs, making for a truly memorable morning in the woodland.
The launch also revealed a striking connection between Land and Wasing’s own heritage, both rooted in a shared history of mapping. Wasing’s story began in 1759 when John Mount purchased the estate after building one of Britain’s most influential map and sea chart publishing businesses, Mount and Page, whose work helped guide Captain Cook’s Endeavour to Australia. More than two centuries later, that spirit of curiosity, connection and discovery remains woven into the fabric of the estate, making Wasing a particularly meaningful setting in which to celebrate a novel so deeply connected to land, history and belonging.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Maggie O’Farrell, Hannah MacInnes, The Hungerford Bookshop, the publishing team and everyone who joined us for such a memorable morning. It was an honour to mark the publication of Land, and we wish the novel every success.
Our woodland will once again become a place for stories, conversation and discovery when Well Read returns on Sunday 14 June. We look forward to welcoming curious readers and an exceptional line-up of authors for a day of inspiring talks, live music and wellbeing in the heart of nature.
Discover more and book tickets here
