16-17 May at the British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
European Writers Festival 3
ICI London once again supports the European Writers Festival, taking place at the British Library on 16 and 17 May, with special guest the acclaimed Italian writer Vincenzo Latronico, in conversation with Nino Haratischwili, chaired by Maya Jaggi, on Saturday 16 May at 5.45pm.
Nino Haratischwili and Vincenzo Latronico are two of Europe’s most successful writers, both back home in Germany and Italy and also internationally in translation. Born in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, today living in Berlin and writing in German, Nino is nicknamed Germany’s Elena Ferrante for her page-turning epics of female friendship. She is also a well-known playwright and director, and outspoken champion of independent Georgia. Vincenzo was born in Rome, lives in Milan and spent many years in Berlin. He is an art critic, novelist and Italian translator of George Orwell, Oscar Wilde and many others. His breath-taking psychological study of a woke millennial couple in Berlin, Perfection, was a major critical success.Don’t miss this opportunity to hear this dynamic duo in conversation as they discuss their multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-disciplinary creative lives with award-winning writer and critic Maya Jaggi.
This year’s edition brings together 26 writers from across Europe, offering a rich and diverse programme of conversations, storytelling, and exchange. Across two days, audiences will encounter powerful literary voices exploring urgent contemporary themes—from identity, migration and memory to climate, politics, and the complexities of modern life.
Full programme and buy your tickets HERE
The festival opens on Saturday with Turning Points, featuring Wendy Erskine, Fiston Mwanza Mujila and Jente Posthuma, chaired by Rosie Goldsmith, whose work captures pivotal moments that reshape lives. Themes of environment and resilience take centre stage in Back to Nature, with Zdravka Evtimova, Małgorzata Lebda and Carolina Pihelgas, chaired by Antonia Lloyd-Jones.
The afternoon moves through gripping narratives of intrigue in Secrets and Lies, with Jørn Lier Horst, Makis Malafekas and Krisztina Tóth, chaired by Noreen Masud, before turning to urban life in Tales of the City, featuring Sulaiman Addonia, Beatriz Serrano and Ayfer Tunç, chaired by Toby Lichtig.
A special evening event brings together internationally acclaimed authors Nino Haratischwili and Vincenzo Latronico in conversation, chaired by Maya Jaggi—an unmissable highlight of the festival.
Sunday’s programme continues with Personal Histories, where Fabio Andina, Liliana Corobca and Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs reflect on memory and place, chaired by Bidisha. In Coming of Age, Pirkko Saisio, Goran Vojnović and Kotryna Zylė explore identity and transformation across generations, chaired by Dan Richards.
The programme then ventures into bold and imaginative territory with Stranger Things, featuring Anne-Marie Reuter, Sara Stridsberg and Jáchym Topol, chaired by Tim Beasley-Murray. The festival concludes with On the Road, bringing together Artem Chapeye, Christy Lefteri and Gonçalo M. Tavares, chaired by Bee Rowlatt, whose work reflects on movement, conflict, and the shifting landscapes of Europe.
Together, these conversations offer a compelling snapshot of contemporary European literature—multilingual, interconnected, and deeply engaged with the world around us.
The festival programme has been curated by a selection committee chaired by the acclaimed journalist and presenter Rosie Goldsmith, working alongside Bee Rowlatt, Noreen Masud and Toby Lichtig. Founder and director of the European Literature Network, Rosie brings extensive experience in championing international literature and translation. The committee has shaped a programme that reflects the diversity and vitality of contemporary European writing.