Long Night of Literatures

23 SEPTEMBER

INSTITUTO CERVANTES OF NEW DELHI

“Long Night of Literatures,” an initiative supported by the European Union, as well as a motley crew of cultural institutes, ranging from the Swiss Arts Council to the Polish Institute, featured ten writers from ten countries, presenting in seven different languages. Advertised as an exercise in “literary speed dating,” the event consisted of 20-minute sessions, in which authors gave readings in their native languages as well as English, followed by short question-and-answer rounds. Highlights included the Spanish author Gabriela Ybarra’s exploration of the curative powers of storytelling amid familial trauma, as well as Vea Kaiser’s humorous yet affectionate portrayal of Austrian village life.

~ Ian Trueger