Writers gather for literature festival

One of Ireland’s top literature festivals kicks off today, attracting renowned writers from South Africa, Poland, Norway, the US and many other countries.

Jennifer Johnston and Sebastian Barry will open Galway’s 23rd Cuirt International Festival of Literature which has seen dozens of Nobel prize winners, Poet Laureates and major novelists.

The theme of the 2008 programme is 'Eyewitnesses To History' and authors who have experienced troublespots across the globe, from Afghanistan and Chechnya to South Africa, will speak.

Norwegian journalist Asne Seierstad, who wrote the best-seller 'The Bookseller Of Kabul', will take part in a public interview in which she will discuss her latest book, 'The Angel Of Grozny', which portrays the difficulties of life in post-war Chechnya.

Arkady Babchenko, who wrote the highly acclaimed 'One Soldier’s War', which won Russia’s Best Debut of the Year Prize last year, will also discuss life in war-torn Chechnya.

Tony Langouranis, a former US soldier will give a first-hand account of the torture and abuse of Iraqi prisoners by members of the US military.

A first for the 2008 festival and a must for bookworms is the Cuirt Literary Tour.

It will trace the history of literature in Galway, a city which has been home to some of the nation’s most influential writing figures.

Samantha Power, former senior adviser to US presidential hopeful Barack Obama, will also be present, giving her views on the race for the top political office.

Sports fans will be in for a treat as Irish Times writer Keith Duggan will be reading from his book, 'House Of Pain: Through The Rooms Of Mayo Football', which tells the story of the county’s quest for an All Ireland title.

This year’s festival has expanded to include a designated programme of readings for young people.

All events will take place in Nun Island’s Theatre and the programme is specifically aimed at primary school children and young adults.

More information on the Cuirt International Festival of Literature, which runs until Sunday, can be found by logging on to www.galwayartscentre.ie.