London’s first series of events dedicated to Asian literature makes its debut this May, supported by a stellar cast of the finest writers in the genre. The Asia House Festival of Asian Literature, organised and hosted by Asia House and supported by The Times, will celebrate the newest and best writing on Asia in a series of talks and discussions.

The Festival runs from May 21-25, and focuses on writing about Asia in English. The programme features authors such as Kiran Desai reflecting on her Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Inheritance of Loss and veteran broadcaster and India expert Sir Mark Tully speaking on his widely-anticipated new book, India’s Unending Journey.

Award-winning author Pankaj Mishra will mark the paperback launch of both his highly acclaimed Temptations of the West: How to be Modern in India, Pakistan, Tibet and Beyond and the re-launch of his earlier Butter Chicken in Ludhiana. He will be in conversation with Masoud Golsorkhi, editor of the iconic Tank magazine.

Other established writers participating in the Festival include Romesh Gunesekera (The Match), Gautam Malkani (Londonstani) and Xiaolu Guo whose first novel The Concise Chinese English Dictionary for Lovers was recently published to critical acclaim. They will all participate in a discussion of Asian fiction writing in Britain, chaired by Sarfraz Manzoor whose own book Greetings From Bury Park: Race Religion and Rock and Roll, will be published in June.

Former BBC correspondent Duncan Hewitt will introduce his new book, Getting Rich First: Life in a Changing China, a look at the rapid change that is transforming Chinese society from the point of view of the people who are living through it.

Schedule of Events

May 21-25, 2007

Mon 21 Mark Tully talks about his new book India's Unending Journey

Tues 22 Pankaj Mishra in conversation with Masoud Golsorkhi of Tank magazine about Temptations of the West and Butter Chicken in Ludhiana

Wed 23 Asian Fiction Writers in Britain: panel discussion featuring Romesh Gunesekera, Gautam Malkani, Xiaolu Guo; moderated by Sar fraz Manzoor

Thurs 24 Duncan Hewitt talks about his new book, Getting Rich First: Life in a Changing China

Fri 25 Kiran Desai talks about The Inheritance of Loss

All events run from 6:45-8:30pm, at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP

Tickets: £8 Asia House Members/£10 Non-members

Book all 5 events and get the 5th half price.

For event bookings and enquiries, please call 020 73075454 or e-mail enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk

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