Toronto’s 32nd International Festival of Authors takes place at Harbourfront Centre from Oct. 18 to 28, 2012. The literary festival brings together authors of contemporary literature from around the globe for readings, interviews, lectures and book signings.
Some of the festival highlights include:
- An Evening with Rohinton Mistry features the Giller-Prize-winning author in performance and in conversation with CBC’s Eleanor Wachtel on Thurs., Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50
- Scotiabank Giller Prize shortlisted finalists including Nancy Richler, Russell Wangersky, Will Ferguson, Kim Thúy and Alix Ohlin will read from their nominated books on Sat., Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $20 for supporters.
- Governor General’s Literary Awards finalists including Vincent Lam, Linda Spalding, Tamas Dobozy, Carrie Snyder and Robert Hough will read from their nominated books on Mon., Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. Shelagh Rogers hosts. Tickets are $25 and $20 for supporters.
An empty chair will appear on stage at each festival event to signify writers who have been silenced for peacefully expressing his or her beliefs. This year, the festival honours the journalist Dawit Isaak, who was jailed in his native Eritrea for allegedly demanding democratic reforms.
Although celebrated Canadian author and recent Nobel Prize for Literature nominee Alice Munro was scheduled to appear at the festival on Fri., Oct. 19, she had to cancel her appearance due to frail health.
Tickets for regularly-priced events are $18 for adults, $15 for supporters and free for students (subject to availability). A Festival Flex Pass is $120 and includes 10 tickets.
