Russia’s Literary Monster: The Wild, Unpredictable World of Vladimir Sorokin

In Europe by Daniel Kalder

A “living classic,” Sorokin pushes boundaries by writing about a Russia rife with violence, coprophilia, violence, rape, violence, aliens, violence, clones and more violence. He makes his American debut in New York this weekend at the PEN World Voices Festival. By Daniel Kalder At the London Book Fair earlier this month, Russia was featured as Guest of Honor. Nearly every Russian …

Free E-books from PEN World Voices Festival Writers

In What's the Buzz by Edward Nawotka

By Edward Nawotka The PEN World Voices Festivals has an extraordinary line up of writers this year. In case you weren’t able to make it to New York, the Festival organizers are offering free e-books summarizing some of the writing from each day’s participants and tailored to that day’s programming. Instructions: click on the version you want to download. Open …

Can Books Serve as Cultural Ambassadors to Change the Reputation of a Nation?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

Cultural exports are often described in geopolitical terms as an exercise in “soft power” and book fairs, in particular, provide a forum for developing lasting relationships that are the foundation for change. By Edward Nawotka International book fairs — from Beijing to Buenos Aires (taking place now) to author-centric events like the PEN World Voices Festival — aim in part …

Is Interest in Translated and Foreign Lit Growing in the US?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

By Edward Nawotka As discussed in our lead story, the PEN World Voices Festival has done much to help promote foreign and translated literature to Americans. There are other signs that interest is growing: a proliferation of small publishers with a strong focus on translation (Open Letter, Archipelago), new tours of foreign writers, even an increasing tolerance for European “intellectuals” who …

PEN World Voices as Change Agent

In Europe by Chad W. Post

By Chad W. Post It was almost seven years ago when I met then PEN executive director Michael Roberts and translator extraordinaire Esther Allen for drinks at the Washington Square Hotel to talk about this new festival they wanted to launch in support of international literature. The Berlin International Literature Festival was going to be their model . . . …