Brits and books

As the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair gets set to unfold its 22^nd edition, organisers have announced this year’s spotlight will fall on the UK.

The British Council will bring renowned writers, artists and experts to the fair, being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from March 28 till April 2.

Peering Through a Window is a panel discussion on how writing helps to understand and interpret other societies, and will feature novelist Marina Lewycka, poet Tishani Doshi and travel writer Tim Mackintosh-Smith.

Get a glimpse into the imagination of children’s writer Philip Ardagh, novelist Jasper Fforde and renowned illustrator ILYA, in the panel discussion Imagination Running Wild, which looks at how writers make the unbelievable believable through fiction and illustration, and the creation of imaginary worlds.

Or head to Where the Heart Is which offers a poet, cookery writer, novelist and travel writer panel discussion into how the countries of their birth or home affect their writing. Tishani Doshi, Sally Butcher, Susan Abulhawa and Tim Mackintosh-Smith will provide the audience with personal experiences on how their writing is affected by international influences.

Ready, Set, Read! is aimed at youngsters, encouraging them to read for pleasure, and there will also be celebrations of the life and works of Charles Dickens, to commemorate 200 years since his birth.

Visit www.adbookfair.com or www.britishcouncil.org/me-uae-ADIBF-UK-focus.