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The International Festival Of Authors 2008 |
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Literary Scene -
Write Around Town
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By: Deanna McFadden
October 2008
 For most people in Toronto, the beginning of fall means it's time to watch the stars come out for the film festival at the beginning of September. While I'm the first to admit the arrival of some of the year's biggest hardcover titles can't complete with the high wattage star power accompanying Brad Pitt on the red carpet, I still love the beginning of October because it means the International Festival of Authors is less than three weeks away.
For the very first time in the recent history of the festival a guest curator, Irish writer Colm Tóibín, has participated in creating the schedule. The theme, "It's Irish," runs throughout the twelve days of the festival with several events, including the premiere event, the PEN Gala on Wednesday, October 22nd. It's the 25th anniversary of the benefit and this year Don McKellar interviews Roddy Doyle. Tickets for the gala are a steep $125.00 but if you just want to see Doyle's interview, there are a limited number of $35.00 tickets available for the on-stage event.
Brushing up on Roddy Doyle's work beforehand might not be such a bad idea, either. Most people would recognize him as the author of The Commitments, but I count his A Star Called Henry as one of all-time favourite novels (it's a long list, but still). Other "It's Irish" events at the festival include: The History of Ireland, Contemporary Irish Literature, An Interview with Victoria Glendinning, and Irish Letters Past.
In addition to the special Irish theme, there are a number of traditional IFOA events: the Giller, Governor General's and Rogers Writer's Trust prize readings. International authors, Canadian favourites, children's events and even a special night dedicated to a panel discussion of America Votes rounds out an amazing two weeks. The authors on my list to catch this year are Emma Donoghue and Francine Prose, Junot Díaz, Dennis Lehane, and Joseph Boyden and Damon Galgut.
Ticket and detailed program information can be found at Readings.org
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