The eleventh European Literature Days are held from 21 to 24 November 2019 in Krems an der Donau. In writer discussion panels and readings about this year’s headline theme “What is a good life?” writers and literature lovers get together and transform Krems into an ideal meeting place for all those interested in transnational cultural exchange and who want to experience literature in a unique setting. As in previous years, exhibitions and guided walking tours, concerts and wine tastings accompany the literary programme.

This year’s European Literature Days conclude with the presentation of the Austrian Book Trade Honorary Award for Tolerance in Thought and Action during a literary-musical matinee. The prizewinner for 2019 is Francesca Melandri. The Italian writer “lets the living lie of Europe fly in the air”, as Hamburg-based Die Zeit described Melandri’s latest book All Except Me. This book was also on the bestseller lists for weeks in Germany. It is an important novel about deep European wounds: a family chronicle, a portrait of Italy in the 20th century, a story of colonialism and its long shadows that endure until this day. 

We are delighted that Francesca Melandri will participate throughout the European Literature Days weekend. Details about other writers and the programme for the European Literature Days 2019 will be announced in September 2019.

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Videos of the debates and readings from the European Literature Days 2018 are available on Okto.tv and can be viewed on our website: OKTO TV or here (Videos and keynote texts on the subject “Narrative in Literature and Film”).