A new world is entering this year's book fair in Gothenburg this autumn, with both game developers and screenwriters among the guests. Storytelling is what unites the different worlds, says Oskar Ekström.
"There is a strong storytelling force within the gaming world and a lot of innovation. Players are involved in shaping the story; there is extensive world-building and complex characters that are exciting to explore in relation to literature," he says.
A total of 45 countries are represented at this year's fair, which is a record. Among them will be Maggie O'Farrell, Amin Maalouf and this year's Mermaid Laureate Jamaica Kincaid. Georgi Gospodinov and Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah will discuss one of this year's themes, public education.
The book fair has public education in its DNA, emphasizes Oskar Ekström, but now it is being elevated in its own right.
What popular education stands for is under pressure but also needed more than ever, given increased disinformation, fake news and polarization. It will truly be a gathering of forces where the participants jointly affirm the importance of knowledge, reading and open conversation.
Facts: Five seminars at the Book Fair
Literature and popular education
Featuring Abdulrazak Gurnah and Georgi Gospodinov, among others. Authors reflect on their own educational journeys and what happens when fiction loses ground. Organized by the Swedish Academy.
Why has public education been politicized?
When did the education of the people become a threat? Discussed by Sverker Sörlin, Björn Wiman and Maja Hagerman, among others. Organized by the University of Gothenburg and the Folkuniversitetet.
Who tells the story when the player takes over?
About the dramaturgy of games with, among others, Gregorios Kythreotis, creative director of the game Sable, and Jonas Thente. Organized by the University of Skövde.
Wandering in Palestine
Palestinian writer Raja Shehadeh talks with Johannes Anyuru about Palestinian poetry and the realities in Gaza and the West Bank. Organized by Celanders and Norstedts.
Nicole Brossard
A pioneering feminist writer in Quebec's feminist and queer literature. Her key work from 1989, "Installationer," is one of about 20 works from Quebec translated in connection with the province being the theme at the Book Fair. Organized by OEI Editör and Québec edition.
The themes of this year's fair are Québec, games and public education.
