International Literature Festival Berlin

Every September, the city of Berlin transforms into a hub for contemporary literature as the International Literature Festival takes place. Acting as a platform for contemporary developments in prose, poetry, non-fiction, children’s and young adult literature from around the world, the festival celebrates and examines current political and social topics while promoting a love for literature. 

The 22nd International Literature Festival Berlin

One of the best-known literature festivals in the world, the International Literature Festival Berlin (ilb) aims to reach as broad an audience as possible to encourage a deeper passion for literature. The festival welcomes all types of authors and media from the worldwide literary scene, hosting a number of readings, discussion panels, meetings and workshops across eleven days in a number of venues. 

Revered authors who have attended ilb in the past include John M. Coetzee, Michael Ondaatje and Salman Rushdie. This year’s event will welcome leading writers once more, including Zadie Smith and Booker Prize winners Margaret Atwood, Bernadine Evaristo and Damon Galgut. 

Promoting a love for all things literary 

The International Literature Festival Berlin is divided into different sections, each with its own area of expertise and focus. For example, the Literatures of the World section showcases renowned and up-and-coming authors of prose and poetry, encouraging authors to read works in their original languages. Every reading ends with a moderated discussion with the audience, with a select number of them taking place in English.

The Reflections section showcases authors, journalists, academics and politicians, who discuss and debate current social and political issues and how they influence the sector, while the Children’s and Young Adult Literature section will feature a wide array of readings and events both inside and outside of participating schools.

Attending the International Literature Festival Berlin

Is there a particular reading you are interested in attending? Or is one of your favourite authors speaking at ilb? For all the information concerning the festival, to see the full programme and to purchase your ticket, please visit the official International Literature Festival Berlin website. 

Thumb photo: © Hartwig Klappert, courtesy of International Literature Festival Berlin