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UP FOR A DATE NIGHT WITH EUROPEAN AUTHORS, INDIA?
At the third edition of Long Night of Literatures, celebrating the linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, enthusiasts can closely interact with renowned authors
Amidst a group of about 30 people, it’s surreal for a literarian to hear, in person, an author reading out from his/her work. No panelist to interject, no emcee to butt in, but just the author and the audience for 20 minutes straight. That’s the kind of intimate experience you can expect at the third edition of ‘Long Night of Literatures’.
There will be 10 authors from 10 European countries, who will read out in 10 different languages; and also present readings in English. The list includes authors Clemens Berger (Austria), Veronika Resslova (Czech Republic), Henriette Rostrup (Denmark), Jean-Claude Perrier (France), Istvan Vörös (Hungary), Suneeta Peres da Costa (Portugal), Claudiu M Florian (Romania), Gabriela Babnik (Slovenia), Jesús Carrasco (Spain) and Ariane Von Graffenried (Switzerland).
Danish author Henriette Rostrup – who will be visiting Delhi for the first time — will read from her novel, A Year of Funerals. “It takes place partly in New York City, partly in Denmark and Greece,” she says, excitedly adding that she’s a fan of Indian literature. “I have loved Indian literature ever since I read my first Salman Rushdie novel, Midnight’s Children. I have been a great fan of Indian authors, as diverse as Vikram Chandra, Arundhati Roy, Rohinton Mistry, Aravind Adiga and so on... I jumped at the chance to visit India. Besides, it’s a chance to be a part of a greater cultural exchange between countries, which, in my opinion, is one of the most important things to do in current society. Literature is a conversation between the writer and the reader, and the more we talk (and read), the more we get to know each other and find, that our differences are fewer than the likenesses,” says Rostrup.
Not all authors have decided what they plan to read at this entry-by-registration event. Austrian author Clemens Berger, whose native language is German, says, “It will depend on the audience and my feeling. Probably a short story.”
This event last took place in 2016, and is being organised on a bigger scale with many more authors. “Also participating will be Georgia — though the country is not part of European Union — which is celebrating its 100 years,” says Ignacio Vitorica, cultural attaché, Embassy of Spain in India. He adds that it was a “challenging and enriching experience” to curate the event. “Not having literature in English language could be an obstacle, so the sessions will be in English, too. But, people will have the chance to hear to these authors reading in their mother tongue. It’s important to also showcase the not-so-known literature,” says Ignacio.
I love Indian literature, and have done so, ever since I read my first Salman Rushdie novel – Midnight’s Children – I have been a great fan of Indian literature and Indian authors. HENRIETTE ROSTRUP DANISH AUTHOR