Three writers from Kolkata appeared at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival as part of the British Council’s showcase for contemporary British literature.
The Bookcase took place from 14 to 18 August, in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Reaching an international audience
The three Kolkata writers, Rimi B Chatterjee, Alka Saraohi and Srijato write in English, Hindi and Bengali respectively. Though widely known in their own country, The Bookcase was an opportunity for the writers to reach a more international audience. Alka Saraogi said, ‘To be a part of Edinburgh Bookcase means an opportunity to get to know if there can indeed be a global culture of ideas and expressions. At the same time it is to know how different and unique cultures can speak to each other.’
The programme offered readings, performances and discussion from a wide range of established writers and emerging authors from the UK, with opportunities for interaction among the participants.
Next year Scotland will participate as the ‘theme country’ at the Kolkata Book Fair.
80 delegates from 35 countries
There were more than 80 delegates from the international literary community at The Bookcase, including writers, journalists, festival organisers, teachers, academics, publishers and representatives from national arts councils. Thirty-five countries were represented including Argentina, China, India, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Uzbekistan.
The Bookcase is partnering with Edinburgh, the inaugural UNESCO City of Literature, in encouraging other cities to create a global network of creative literary cities, including other Cities of Literature and World Book Capitals.
For more information contact UK-Bookcase@britishcouncil.org
You can find out more about the Edinburgh Bookcase and news about our work in literature by visiting our Literature pages.
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