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.
Duration 45 min.
