International Festival of Literature
Posted by Brody on May 21, 2009There is nothing like seeing the world from the inside of a luxury hotel. Dubai is iconic for its cosmopolitan feel in an old-world setting. On the cusp of the past and the future, Dubai will make any traveler feel like this place is the right place. On the cutting edge of style and ability to delight and spoil the guests, the area is also on the cutting edge of cultural change. Dubai’s International Festival of Literature, held in February – March, 2009, was an event that serves as a kind of literary metaphor for the region, because of its ability to draw international attention.
Margaret Atwood was scheduled to be one of the more visible literary figures, and she had pulled out of the festival, only to re-position herself in the festival a week later (she did, ultimately, participate via satellite). The concern here, for Atwood, as well as for many other members of the literary community, was there was suspicion that Geraldine Beddell’s novel, “The Gulf Between Us,” was perhaps culturally insensitive, and suspected to be banned. It turned out, however, that the novel was not actually banned, and was for sale at the festival, but the author was not considered for invitation. The debate over censorship, very hot and topical for this particular festival, was not, however, something that the planners and organizers simply wished to sweep under the rug. There was a panel discussion on the issue of censorship, which suggests a degree of willingness to not shy away from potentially explosive issues.
There were many other high points inside the festival as well. Indian novelist Anita Nair was there, and her novels have captured the world for their sharpness of wit and characterization. A new project of hers will be to translate her “Magical Indian Myths” to adaptations of the work for Canadian television. Anita Amirrezvani was there to speak about her book, “The Blood of Flowers,” and this Iranian-American novelist attracted a large crowd, including a group of students from Kuwait who traveled here to hear her speak. Louis de Bernieres was there to read a poem inspired by a sandstorm during a lunch break. And Kate Mosse, director of the Orange Prize, was there, to speak about the importance of the prize to Arab culture in general, and Arab women in particular. The festival is a fantastic barometer to gauge the temperature of this exciting and stimulating place.
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