Discover Key Highlights of the Auckland Writers Festival 2024

The Auckland Writers Festival, a celebrated gathering for literature enthusiasts, will take place from May 12 to May 17, 2024. This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of international bestsellers, Booker Prize winners, and local talent, providing a platform for significant discussions and literary exploration. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with renowned authors.

For crime fiction aficionados, Mick Herron, known for his witty spy series Slow Horses, will make his debut in New Zealand, presenting his latest work, Clown Town, in a conversation with Jim Mora on Friday. Also on the program is S. A. Cosby, an acclaimed US thriller writer discussing his gripping novel King of Ashes alongside local crime writer Michael Bennett on Saturday, May 16.

Readers interested in steamy narratives will find the Spice Salon particularly enticing. This popular event features four authors reading from their most intimate passages, scheduled for late Saturday night. Additionally, a panel discussion on the rise of romantic fiction, featuring New Zealand author Ivy Cliffwater, will take place on Sunday afternoon.

The festival opens with renowned journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Say Nothing and Empire of Pain, who will discuss his new book, London Falling, in a session with Jack Tame. A panel on the ethics of investigative journalism will follow on Friday. Noteworthy discussions include Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, who will engage with Paula Penfold about her work on the history of Afghanistan, alongside discussions featuring veteran New Zealand reporters Charlotte Glennie and Barbara Dreaver.

Fantasy enthusiasts will be thrilled to see R.F. Kuang, a prominent author known for The Poppy War series, meet Rosabel Tan on Saturday. On Sunday, Aotearoa’s own Elizabeth Knox will share insights from her forthcoming memoir in conversation with Emily Perkins.

For those drawn to themes of life’s choices and their impacts, authors Florence Knapp, Lily King, and Josie Shapiro will collaborate on a panel titled “Sliding Doors” on Sunday afternoon. They will explore how small decisions can lead to significant life changes.

The festival also showcases creative expression through Witi Ihimaera, who will discuss his memoir, Swimming Home, in a free event on Saturday morning, accompanied by music from Kingsley Spargo. Laughton Kora will offer an interactive session, A Waiata in an Hour, inviting audience participation to create a new song.

A new addition this year, Plot Twist, will take over Q Theatre on Sunday, featuring talks, panels, zine-making, DJs, spoken word performances, and BookTok meetups. This segment focuses on queer literature, dystopian fiction, and contemporary issues relevant to young readers, with contributions from Dominic Hoey and Mieko Kawakami.

Translators and political literature will not be overlooked. Deepa Bhasthi, the first Indian translator to win the International Booker Prize, will engage with Balamohan Shingade on Saturday afternoon about the intricacies of translation. Additionally, Palestinian writer Tareq Baconi will discuss his memoir, Fire in Every Direction, alongside Ukrainian author Maria Reva in a session focused on art during conflict.

As attendees consider their dining options while immersing themselves in literary discussions, several eateries in the Auckland CBD are recommended. Notable venues include:

– **Sunny Town**: Located at 10-14 Lorne St, this restaurant offers quick and flavorful Sichuan cuisine.
– **Hanoi Eatery**: A hidden gem at G16/368 Queen St, known for its exceptional pho.
– **Mezze Bar**: Situated on Durham St East, this spot serves Mediterranean tapas in a cozy setting.
– **Tanuki’s Cave**: At 319B Queen St, this renowned Japanese yakitori bar is ideal for sharing plates.

For those seeking reading material, Susanna Andrew, manager at Unity Books Wellington, recommends a selection of essential reads to prepare for the festival:

1. How to End a Story: Collected Diaries by Helen Garner – $65
2. The Black Monk by Charlotte Grimshaw – $38
3. Clown Town by Mick Herron – $28
4. Heaven by Mieko Kawakami – $38
5. Goliath’s Curse: A Deep History Of Societal Collapse & What It Means For Our Future by Luke Kemp – $40
6. Always Home, Always Homesick by Hannah Kent – $43
7. Garrison World by Charlotte Macdonald – $70
8. Land by Maggie O’Farrell – $38
9. Endling by Maria Reva – $38
10. Flesh by David Szalay – $28

With a diverse array of authors and topics, the Auckland Writers Festival promises to be an enriching experience for all who attend. Tickets are available at writersfestival.co.nz.