Photo: Natalie Greppi
Göteborg Book Fair 2018. Photo: Niklas Maupoix
Stories that change the world It’s not the biggest book fair in the world, but from a book lover’s perspective, Göteborg Book Fair is probably the best. Boasting hundreds of fascinating seminars, a keenness on nuanced debate, and an atmosphere that brings readers and authors together, this is a literature lover’s paradise. By Linnea Dunne
“We really believe that literature and reading make a difference, that through education, we can develop society and strengthen democracy,” says Frida Edman, director of Göteborg Book Fair. “Everyone who works here is passionate about the written word. Much like travelling allows us to experience different places and cultures and meet people we would otherwise never meet, we believe that stories do the same.” The fair, which is in its 35th year this year, rests on three pillars. The first is a programme of seminars, which enables new, unique meetings between readers and authors, and between authors and facilitators in conversation on stage. The second is the fair exhibition itself – a bustling space of open stages, themed exhibitions, book sales and a relaxing garden space. Thirdly, there is the 58 | Issue 127 | August 2019
are sure to discover something new to you, meet a new author, discover a new book or stumble upon a talk on a stage somewhere. Really, it’s much more like a festival.”
Exploring South Korea Rights Centre, a pure business space just for literary agents and publishers to buy and sell rights. The latter is perhaps what most people associate with the idea of a book fair, and indeed what many book fairs around the world are really all about. Göteborg Book Fair, however, while relatively small, is inspiring other players to look beyond trade. “From the get-go, it’s been our goal to inspire everyone from the book-loving public to librarians and teachers,” Edman explains. “That meeting between authors and readers is absolutely crucial. What you’ll find as you stroll through the fair is that not just authors but also journalists, editors and politicians are incredibly accessible to you. There’s a certain atmosphere… If you’re a crime lover, you might head for the crime area, but on the way you
Every year, Göteborg Book Fair picks a Guest of Honour in the form of a country that provides the framework for the programme. This year’s honourable nation is South Korea, a country that is very relevant and interesting right now for a number of reasons, according to Edman. “Sweden and South Korea celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relationships this year, but South Korea is also very much on the rise in terms of culture,” she explains. “The food is influencing all of Europe right now, for example, and we see a lot of young women doing really well in literature.” As a visitor, you’ll pick up on South Korean influences across the board, from seminar topics to flavours at the food outlets. Subjects including education, migration, and socialhistorical-public trauma will be dis-