The roster of novelists, historians, journalists and poets visiting Hong Kong for the International Literary Festival (HKILF) could themselves form the cast of a colourful saga. They range from a former poet laureate to a former prostitute, from a Rastafarian lyricist to a former prime minister's daughter, and from one of the United States' finest pastry chefs to one of Britain's first black female judges.
The 11th annual celebration of writing comprises more than 40 English-language events to be held over 10 days from March 8 at various venues. They will include lectures, readings, interviews, poetry performances, and panel discussions.
Douglas Kerr, chairman of the HKILF board and a professor of English at the University of Hong Kong, says the festival aims to 'spread enjoyment, curiosity and enthusiasm for reading'.
The festival unfolds amid rising international interest in literature from Asia, after the shortlist for this year's Man Asian Literary Prize - announced in Hong Kong on February 15 - was touted as the award's strongest line-up yet.
Shortlisted authors Bi Feiyu, Manu Joseph, Tabish Khair, Kenzaburo Oe and Yoko Ogawa will read from their books during the festival, at an event at the Kee Club on March 16. The prize winner will be announced the next day.
Kerr believes Asian writing in English is 'the great development in English literature of the past 50 years'. Today, he argues, there may be 'more exciting English writing going on outside of Anglo-America than inside'.
As well as providing an important platform for writers from across the region, the HKILF aims to connect readers of all ages with literary figures from around the globe. Its flourishing schools programme will give students a chance to meet and attend creative writing workshops with some of the authors.