Britain’s first major festival dedicated to writing about Asia launches its third exciting season in Central London from 11-22 May 2009. The 2009 Asia House Festival of Asian Literature will feature over 25 authors, highlighting writing from ten Asian countries. The programme offers a unique opportunity to engage with prominent writers and emerging voices including Amit Chaudhuri, Sir Mark Tully, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Ziauddin Sardar, Kamila Shamsie, Nadeem Aslam, Christina Lamb, Alice Albinia, Kenan Malik, Patrick Cockburn, and BBC journalists Frank Gardner, John Simpson and David Lyon.

Three special Pre-Festival events in April and May will give audiences the opportunity to meet Man Booker Prize winner Aravind Adiga, Iranian author Azar Nafisi and Tash Aw launching Map of the Invisible World. The 2009 Festival will showcase authors writing about India, China, Malaysia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Tibet and Asians in Britain.

Other authors participating this year are Pankaj Mishra, John Man, Martin Jacques, Tahmima Anam, Karim Raslan, business writer Nirmalya Kumar and emerging Pakistani author Daniyal Mueenuddin. Two family events will introduce children’s books from India and China with author/musician Guo Yue, illustrator Christopher Corr and storyteller Seema Anand. Sir Mark Tully comments: “Asia’s contribution to English literature grows from strength to strength. I am delighted that Asia House has decided to promote this remarkable writing so that the achievements of Asian writers gain an ever wider recognition.”

Programme Schedule

Pre-Festival Events:

Festival of Asian Literature Events Schedule: