Meg Mason will tour the UK later this year for a series of literary events around her new novel, Sophie, Standing There.
Born in New Zealand and now based in Sydney, Mason is the acclaimed author of You Be Mother and Sorrow and Bliss, which became an international bestseller and was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize.
Her new novel, Sophie, Standing There, is published in the UK on 27 August 2026 and has already drawn advance praise from figures including Gillian Anderson (“‘Heartwarming, tender and so funny”), Ann Patchett (“heartbreaking, hilarious, and deeply hopeful”), Bonnie Garmus, Esther Freud and Catherine Newman.
The UK tour begins at Edinburgh International Book Festival, where Mason will appear in conversation with Cathy Rentzenbrink on 28 August, followed by a second Edinburgh event with Ann Patchett on 29 August.
She will then appear with Ann Patchett again in London on 2 September, before further dates in Sevenoaks, Guildford, Brighton, Penarth, Bath, West Kirby, Derbyshire, Henley, Birmingham, Bristol and Wimbledon.
Several events will see Mason joined by other writers and literary figures, including Esther Freud, Monica Heisey and Bella Mackie.
The tour offers UK readers the chance to hear from one of Australia and New Zealand’s most internationally celebrated contemporary novelists as she discusses her latest work, writing, loneliness, connection and the strange emotional power of literary festivals.
UK dates include:
Friday 28 August — Edinburgh International Book Festival
Saturday 29 August — Edinburgh International Book Festival
Wednesday 2 September — London
Friday 4 September — Sevenoaks
Monday 7 September — Guildford
Tuesday 8 September — Brighton
Wednesday 9 September — Penarth, Wales
Thursday 10 September — Bath
Thursday 17 September — West Kirby
Saturday 19 September — The Queen’s Reading Room Festival, Derbyshire
Monday 5 October — Henley Literary Festival
Wednesday 7 October — Birmingham
Thursday 8 October — Bristol
Wednesday 14 October — Wimbledon BookFest
Additional dates and ticketing information may be announced.