Books that will save your life: an English literary festival 2015

In cooperation with Etcetera (study association for English Language and Culture, UvA) and Athenaeum Boekhandel

Evenement

Seven speakers talk about that one book that has changed their lives and still inspires them now. In this evening celebrating literature you might be persuaded to start devouring their books as well…This 2015 edition of the English Literary Festival serves you seven decades of literary goodness. With: Allard den Dulk, Erin La Cour, Hannah Kousbroek, Nina Polak, Roos van Rijswijk, Dirk Vis and Merlijn Olnon.

Of all the books that you have read, which one meant the most to you? What is the best book you have ever read? Which book has had the most unforgettable and undeniable influence on your life so far? Perhaps you have a book that springs to mind immediately, or maybe you have yet to discover the book that has been most influential on your own world of literature.

Whichever is the case, this might all change on Thursday 7 May, during the second edition of Etcetera’s annual English Literary Festival, organized in cooperation with Athenaeum Boekhandel. During this evening, seven writers, journalists and teachers of literature will tell you about the book they think changed the world. Or at least, their world. The books will cover seven decades of English-language literature from the 40s to the 00s. Allard den Dulk, Erin La Cour, Hannah Kousbroek, Nina Polak, Roos van Rijswijk, Dirk Vis and Merlijn Olnon will each tell you about a book that they think you should have read as well. They will try to convince you to do so by explaining in fast-paced speeches why the text of their choice was mind-blowing or life-changing to them. Perhaps you will find the one for you between the choices of the speakers. Last but not least: take your own favourite book with you, so you can discuss it with the speakers and your fellow audience members during drinks afterwards.

In cooperation with Athenaeum Booksellers

About the speakers

Nina Polak writes articles for De Groene Amsterdammer and De Correspondent about movies, TV, games en literature. She studied Dutch and Cultural Analysis at the UvA, Literary Studies in New York and published her debut novel We zullen niet te pletter slaan in 2014.

Merlijn Olnon works at Athenaeum Booksellers, studied Turkish Languages and Cultures and is a historian. He is editor of the book section at De Gids and works actively together with students at the UvA. He is also a writer of essays and used to be an academic lecturer.

Erin La Cour teaches at the UvA and is interested in philosophy, art and literature. She is an editor and does research in the field of Graphic Novels. 

Roos van Rijswijk writes all sorts of things, among which are columns, short stories and theatrical works. Her debut novel will be published in 2016 at Querido Publishers.

Hannah Kousbroek teaches language acquisition and academic writing courses at the UvA and is a freelance translator.

Allard den Dulk teaches film and philosophy courses at Amsterdam University College and has written critical work on American Contemporary Literature. His book Existentialist Engagement in Wallace, Eggers and Foer: A Philosophical Analysis of Contemporary American Literature came out this February. 

Dirk Vis writes and designs, studied Writing at the Rietveld Academy (BA) and Design at the Sandberg Institute (MA), made electronic poems with K. Michel, teaches at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and is editor of literary magazine De Gids. 

Register

You can sign up for this program for free. Subscribing is not non-commital: we count on your presence. If you are unable to attend, please let us know via spui25@uva.nl | T: +31 (0)20 525 8142.

Gepubliceerd door  Spui25