A talk with Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant about the bestselling novel "I Am the Cage"

At the literary event, the author will talk about the creation of her debut novel, I Am the Cage — about writing inspired by her personal experience of growing up with a rare congenital physical condition and undergoing demanding, even cruel, medical treatments in childhood.

Together with the moderator and guest Adam Grant, the conversation will explore the themes that have shaped the author’s writing — from identity, vulnerability, and courage to trust, betrayal, and the search for meaning and freedom after physical and emotional trauma.

I Am the Cage (2025), the debut novel by Allison Sweet Grant, tells the story of 19-year-old Elisabeth, who faces medical trauma and the ways it has shaped her life. Through moving retrospection, beautiful poetry, and powerful character development, Elisabeth learns to confront her past and speak openly about her story and her scars.

Allison Sweet Grant is a writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Atlantic. She holds dual master’s degrees from the University of Michigan.

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of six internationally acclaimed books that have reached #1 of The New York Times Best Sellers and sold millions of copies; two of them have been translated into Slovenian (Think Again and Hidden Potential). Adam is also the host of the popular podcast ReThinking, in which he talks with distinguished guests about new perspectives on work, thinking, and human potential.

Author Allison Sweet Grant will join the event remotely (via video link), while Professor Adam Grant will attend in person.