Meet the Author: Sheena Patel on I’m a Fan
22 January 2026
16:00 - 17:30
Speakers' Corner
On 22 January, The Lighthouse welcomes writer Sheena Patel for an in-depth conversation about her acclaimed debut novel I’m a Fan. Bianca Tudorache, a European Studies student, will interview her, exploring themes such as power, desire, and identity—and how Patel captures the complexity of modern relationships with sharpness and humour.
Sheena Patel joins us in collaboration with Writers Unlimited, where she is also a guest during their 2026 festival themed Let’s Get Physical. We are excited to bring this international literary voice to THUAS and to give students the chance to speak with her directly.
Join us for an inspiring session with one of the boldest new voices in contemporary literature.
I’m a Fan is a gripping and addictive exploration of obsession, race, gender, and power, seen through the lens of a corrosive relationship.
Spoken language: English (book is also available in Dutch)
Sheen Patel (United Kingdom) is a writer, poet, and assistant director for film and television. Her debut novel, I'm a Fan (2022), won the Discover Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. “I stalk a woman on the internet who sleeps with the same man as me.” After this initial confession, a young woman recounts her affair with a successful, married man. When it turns out that he has several mistresses, including an insufferable influencer, she develops an obsession not only with the man, but also with his popular mistress. It culminates in a fiery story about desire, love, and an unequal power dynamic. The narrator keeps a close eye on the Instagrammer's social media and her friends minute by minute. The Guardian: “A fizzing debut that's hard to put down. Patel's searing novel skitters through a world of toxic exes, mean girls, and bad jobs—and it's addictive.”
Instagram: @imightbesheenapatel
Bianca Tudorache, 22, soon to graduate in European Studies, is excited to conduct her very first author interview — and she’ll be doing it with none other than Sheena Patel. I’m a Fan brilliantly captures complex themes like power, race, and obsession in a light, witty style. She is already a fan… and you will be too.
Writers Unlimited Festival
Writers Unlimited Festival
Friday and Saturday: big festival nights
Writers Unlimited Festival also welcomes you to one of the other festival locations! The big festival evenings on Friday 23 or Saturday 24 January 2026 at Theater aan het Spui and Filmhuis Den Haag, where you can choose your own route from around twenty performances on four stages, are reasonably priced at €15 for everyone up to the age of 31. The regular price is €35 (Early Bird tickets €25, until 26 December 2025). The programme includes poetry, stories, spoken word, film, music and topical discussions with writers and poets.
From 22 to 25 January 2026, Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival The Hague is to be found in theatres, libraries and schools throughout the city: from Theater aan het Spui, Filmhuis Den Haag, GR8 to Theater Dakota, Curaçaohuis, the Laakkwartier, Nieuw Waldeck, Schilderswijk and Ypenburg libraries, the Institute of Social Studies and De Haagse Hogeschool. With over 100 writers, poets, spoken-word artists and musicians from the Netherlands and abroad. With readings, prose, poetry, storytelling, spoken word, author interviews, topical talks, films and music.
An event by The Lighthouse
At The Lighthouse, you take a closer look at the world and maybe also at yourself. Always relevant, inspiring, and with a twist.
