Sri Lanka-born artist and novelist Roma Tearne discusses her latest novel The Swimmer, which was longlisted for this year’s Orange Prize and adapted for a collaborative film project presented at the Venice Biennale. Set on the Suffolk coast, this captivating story of love, loss and what home really means explores the relationship between 43-year-old loner Ria and Ben, a young illegal immigrant from Sri Lanka who is awaiting a decision from the Home Office on his asylum application. Theirs is an unconventional but deeply moving romance, defying cultural boundaries and the xenophobic residents of Orford. Roma Tearne is the author of acclaimed novels Brixton Beach, Mosquito and Bone China.

In association with Manchester Literature Festival.