12:00 – 13:15 Opening Session: Stories from the New Europe
How would we describe the trends and genres of European literature today? Is there still such a thing as European literature (was there ever?) and how has it changed, not only since the fall of the Berlin Wall but since Covid, Brexit and Russia’s war against Ukraine? Should we actually be talking about national or regional literatures instead? And what about that old east-west divide – has it finally disappeared for writers? Do writers believe they have a role in defining the ideas of Europe today - should they be public activists, or can they still just be writers? To open the festival join us for a lively discussion with our first panel of leading voices from Europe.
With Viola Di Grado (Italy), Zsófia Bán (Hungary), Jan Carson (Ireland), Georgi Gospodinov(Bulgaria) and Witold Szabłowski (Poland). Chaired by Rosie Goldsmith.
The first European Writers’ Festival at the British Library sees many of Europe’s greatest storytellers gather together for one remarkable, unmissable weekend, to perform and debate the literature and big ideas defining their countries and Europe today.
This event takes place in the British Library.
This is a unique opportunity to come together to enjoy some of the best European prose and poetry in English translation, and to ensure that the cultural networks and exchanges between Britain and Europe continue to thrive as we forge new paths and tackle the challenges of our times. Panels and performances take place over two days, each with different authors and different themes and our dazzling line-up features outstanding writers hailing from over 27 countries.
All events are in English, and will be followed by readings and book signings.
Organised by the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC) London in partnership with the European Literature Network and the British Library, and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom and the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom. The European Writers' Festival is curated by former BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith, director of the European Literature Network and Editor-in-Chief of the Riveter magazines.
With book sales from South Kensington Bookshop.
Half price tickets available for Members, Students, Under 26s and other concession groups.
Programme (also available to download (PDF))