It quickly became apparent that this would be an ‘interesting day’ at the British Library for the biennial European Writers Festival. The train to Kings Cross bypassed two stations and on exiting the station we were confronted with all things British; flags, caps, scarves, badges. Police and their vans filled the plaza
As we made our way along Euston Road toward the British Library we had to navigate men, women and children with their flags and paraphernalia. They came in largish groups and they milled around the pubs. They were heading into the city for the extreme right rally. We walked against the rising tide; the feeling was surreal.
The opening of the festival recognised that we were in a time of wars, political and social conflict, and with climate change underway. We had all felt the troublesome times that confronted us having all been swept along the footpath by the flag waving crowds.
The aim of the festival was clearly and unambiguously stated; to inspire, connect by writers from across Europe and to reflect the breadth of voices, languages and perspectives shaping Europe today.
The day was filled with writers describing their most recent books and the thinking and life experiences behind them. The themes included personal and collective histories, urban life, migration and belonging, nature and environment, truth and secrecy, coming of age, freedom of expression, democracy and the experience of living in a time of great upheaval
It was a wide array of writers from and the moderators were exceptional in their inquiry with searching questions into the books and authors that took to the stage.
We heard authors from many European countries with ther own languages, cultural, social and political issues.
It was truly an inspiring, exhausting and most valuable day of learning.
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