European Literature Days 2026 with many activities will take place in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City in turn.
The event gathers writers, translators, critics and readers in many activities such as seminars, reading performances, workshops and book exhibitions, revolving around the theme "From oneself to oneself: Loneliness and Solidarity in European Literature".
Organized since 2011, the program is an annual gathering point for literary lovers, and also creates an exchange space between European and Vietnamese literature. In 2026, the festival will continue to expand with many diverse activities.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Oliver Brandt - Director of the Goethe Institute Hanoi, said that this year's theme of "European Literature Days 2026" is not only a literary approach but also suggests the characteristic states of contemporary life.
According to Oliver Brandt, with this year's theme, the program focuses on the inner movements of modern people. In the context of turbulent contemporary life, loneliness is no longer a separate personal experience but has become a common state, affected by technology, generation gaps and the decline of community values.
From there, the works raise questions about the ability to connect people in a divided world.
5 contemporary European authors invited to participate will bring many different perspectives. Among them, Sasha Marianna Salzmann and Miku Sophie Kühmel approach identity and history issues, Rebecca Watson explores inner life through experimental prose, Peter Simon Altmann reflects on the experience of movement.
Thibault Clemenceau sees loneliness from the perspective of a traveler, where journeys and encounters become a way to open up empathy and connection. His story evokes the ability to transcend personal boundaries to seek connection in a divided world.
The program is implemented in many forms, from seminars to creative writing workshops, script writing, along with book exhibitions and translator-publisher connection activities. Some experiments such as walking reading literature at night in Hanoi are also included, expanding the reading experience beyond the familiar space.
Within the framework of cooperation with the Frankfurt Book Fair, this year's event introduces 2 book exhibitions, contributing to strengthening connections between international publishing partners and Vietnam.
European Literature Days 2026" implemented by EUNIC Vietnam with the participation of many European cultural organizations, continues to create a space for literary dialogue, where voices can meet and open up new connection possibilities.
