Reading is often considered a means of escapism, but writing itself can also provide a form of expression to reflect upon the lives not lived. Writers Georgi Gospodinov from Bulgaria, Petra Hůlová from the Czech Republic, and Hwang Sok-yong from South Korea share their experiences living under oppressive regimes, amidst civil war, and in the aftermath of communism. More information about the event can be found here.

Petra Hůlová’s novels, plays, and screenplays have won numerous awards, and she is a regular commentator on current events and gender issues for the Czech press. Her eight novels and three plays have been translated into twelve languages.

PEN World Voices is America’s premier international literary festival, attracting the best known writers from across the globe. It was founded by Salman Rushdie, Esther Allen, and Michael Roberts in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, with the aim of broadening channels of dialogue between the United States and the world.