One of the world's most celebrated literary voices is set to grace Vancouver next month. Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders will appear in conversation as part of a special event presented by the Vancouver Writers Fest.
Event Details and Conversation Partner
The evening will take place on Thursday, February 6, at St. Andrew's Wesley United Church, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saunders will be joined on stage by acclaimed Vancouver author and UBC writing professor Alix Ohlin, whose own work has been shortlisted for major Canadian prizes like the Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Their discussion will delve into Saunders' highly anticipated new novel, Vigil, which is scheduled for publication on January 27, just days before the Vancouver event. The program will include an audience question-and-answer session, offering a rare opportunity for local readers to engage directly with the author.
A Literary Powerhouse's Visit
Leslie Hurtig, Artistic Director of the Vancouver Writers Fest, expressed great enthusiasm for hosting Saunders. "George Saunders is one of the great authors of our time; celebrated by both writers and readers as a storyteller who can tackle epic issues with equal parts curiosity, empathy and nuance," Hurtig said in a statement.
She added that attendees can expect "a captivating book that takes readers on a death-bed journey of understanding, through some pointed political waters."
Saunders, a professor at Syracuse University, is widely regarded as a master of the short story. His accolades are extensive and include:
- The prestigious Booker Prize for Lincoln in the Bardo.
- The Folio Prize and The Story Prize.
- The PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction.
- A spot on the TIME 100 list of the world's most influential people in 2013.
How to Attend and What to Expect
Books will be available for purchase at the venue, and Saunders will participate in a signing session after the talk. This event presents a significant cultural moment for Vancouver's literary community, offering direct access to a writer whose influence spans global literature.
For those interested in attending, tickets are now on sale through the Vancouver Writers Fest website. This is a standout event in the city's winter arts calendar, promising an insightful evening with a true giant of contemporary fiction.
