Where Snowbirds Play – with Gina Goldhammer

Gina Goldhammer is living proof that age need not be a barrier when it comes to publishing a debut novel. The longtime personal editor to former US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, Gina recently published her first book at the age of 72. Where Snowbirds Play is a compelling tale that reimagines the illusory lives of the Palm Beach ‘old guard’ during the 1990s. Inspired in part by her husband’s personal involvement in the ImClone insider trading scandal, made famous by Martha Stewart and the recent Netflix series, the novel paints a compelling portrait of the lives of the privileged, and what happens when their world is turned upside down.

Gina grew up in communist Yugoslavia and New York. She now lives between Florida, London, and Venice, where she is currently restoring a medieval Benedictine monastery, as well as working on her second novel. She’ll be talking to author and journalist Fionola Meredith about her extraordinary life, and finally realising her publishing dream in her seventies.

Gina will be signing copies of Where Snowbirds Play at the end of the event. The book will be both sold at the event and available to buy at Waterstones Bangor, Bloomfield Shopping Centre, at a special 10% festival discount on presentation of any Open House Festival 2026 ticket.

Waterstones Bangor, our official festival bookseller, is offering Open House Festival ticketholders an exclusive 10% discount on all books featured in this year’s literary lineup. Just present a valid ticket for any Open House Festival event between 1st and 31st August 2026 at the point of purchase. Waterstones staff will also be on hand to sell books at our author events, where the same discount will apply. This discount only applies to Waterstones Bangor and runs from 9th April to 31st August.

Strictly 18+  Train friendly