As well as being home to the world’s tallest women and consisting of 50% forest, Latvia is also celebrating a centenary of statehood. As part of this centenary, and with the cultural exchange during The London Book Fair Market Focus, Latvia are hosting a series of events over the course of the year. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites…
Monday 9 April, 2:30pm – 3:30pm, £3
Join Latvian author Luize Pastore’s children’s workshop and discussion about her English debut, Dog Town, which follows Jacob Bird and his cousin Mimi in their plot to save their with the help of a gang of talking dogs. Dog Town is the perfect middle-grade read and this event is a great opportunity to introduce your child to a new translated voice.
Baltic View Film Event: ‘Knutification’ with Q&A @ ciné lumière
Wed 11 April, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, £10 – £12
Join us for London Book and Screen week as we in celebrate the Latvian centenary of restored statehood with the London premiere of Latvian documentary film Knutification directed by Ivars Tontegode. This thought-provoking film looks at Latvian poet Knuts Skujenieks and his struggle to come to terms with being part of a wider world where the individual is seen as the minimum rather than the maximum value. Knuts Skujenieks’ work was forbidden until the fall of the Soviet Union, but has since been translated into more than 30 languages, however he only made it into English recently. Prior to the screening, the audience is invited to join a discussion panel
Story Café: Baltic Writers @ Glasgow Women’s Library
Friday 13 April, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, Free – £2
This exciting Story Café special event held with the help of the British Council is the perfect opportunity to experience Baltic literature for the first time. In conversation with Donna Moore, Inga Ābele (Latvia) and Maarja Kangro (Estonia) will be discussing the position of women writers in their respective countries.
You can find out more information about these events and more here.