Gothenburg Book Fair celebrates 40 years with a focus on Sápmi and Space

Gothenburg Book Fair releases the seminar program for 2024, a special milestone marking the 40th edition of the fair. With a focus on themes such as Sápmi and Space, this year’s event promises a multifaceted experience for both literature enthusiasts and those drawn to research, science, and societal development. As an exciting addition, a brand-new music track will be introduced, exploring the fascinating intersection between literature and music. Another new feature is a psychology track, which delves into what it means to be human.

300 unique conversations, interviews, and debates were being announced at a press conference in Stockholm, featuring 862 prominent authors, researchers, opinion leaders, and public intellectuals, including 113 international guests from 29 countries. In addition to highlighting authorship and the latest publications, the program also covers current issues such as war, conflicts, history, media, and ideology.

“This year, we’re turning 40 and we plan to celebrate! Since its inception, the Book Fair has aimed to stir the soul by being the most inspiring and thought-provoking experience of the year by facilitating unexpected encounters between fascinating guests and readers. The Book Fair acts as a historical archive, reflecting and documenting the major issues and stories of our time. This year’s program is no exception, offering an in-depth exploration of current topics that touch and engage,” says Frida Edman, Book Fair director.

‘Sjöjungfrun’ – The Mermaid Award to Joyce Carol Oates

In honour of the Gothenburg Book Fair’s 40th anniversary, the fair’s iconic symbol, the mermaid, takes on new significance as a prestigious literary prize. This award is given to an active author who has touched Swedish readers. The 2024 Mermaid Award goes to Joyce Carol Oates, who first visited the Book Fair in 1987. The prize will be presented during a special seminar and award ceremony on Saturday, September 27, at 11:00 AM. After the Book Fair’s program director Oskar Ekström presents the hand-carved mermaid statuette, Joyce Carol Oates will be interviewed by author Karolina Ramqvist.

“In addition to our fantastic star, Oates, we welcome several other prominent international authors and guests, including Hernan Diaz, Maria Stepanova, Chris Whitaker, and Baek Heena. We are also delighted to host several prominent sci-fi authors, including Alastair Reynolds, Peter F. Hamilton, and Ken MacLeod. This year’s program is multifaceted and reflects our contemporary world. It addresses issues of war and conflict, history, media, and ideology, but also encompasses deep conversations and exciting guests from a range of other fields,” says Oskar Ekström, program director.

The digital and printed english seminar program will be available from June 30.
You can order it for free here.

Click here to read the full press notice