Just a quick catch up: Galle Literary Festival 2012
9 January, 2012
Hello there. How are you?
I seem to have missed chatting with you all as the end of 2011 gathered speed and bulldozed all my me-time in a swirl of get-togethers, cocktails and lots and lots of comestibles. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t say no.
I’ll soon be off on my yearly trip to Sri Lanka and will be checking out the Galle Literary Festival again. This time, I have done NO preparation for the festival and will be going with the flow. I think this may be how 2012 will be for me. More chillin’, less frettin’.
I am, however, looking forward to seeing Katie Kitamura talk about her novel The Longshot. I got a copy for my brother-in-law who has given it a big thumbs up as an avid fan and practitioner of MMA himself. I will, of course, be borrowing the book from him once he’s finished, hehe. Juliet Nicholson will also be there to talk about The Great Silence: 1918-1920 Living in the Shadow of the Great War – a favourite historical period of mine. Richard Dawkins, John Boyne and D.J. Taylor will also be there. And I’m excited to seek more new Sri Lankan authors such as Randy Boyagoda and Roshi Fernando who will be talking about Sri Lankan writing in the diaspora. And this time, I’ll hopefully find out more about Sri Lankans writing in Sri Lanka. As usual, there will be panel discussions on literature, politics and war (as Sri Lanka recovers from its 30 year internal conflict) and documentaries about life in the north and the history of Dutch burghers. Lots of interesting stuff to look forward to.
I’ve got myself a brand new spanking phone and hopefully will be able to twitter about the GLF if I can find free wi-fi.
And that’s not all. I’ll be taking a short trip to Bangkok where I’ll be stuffing my face with all sorts of Thai delights! That’s what my family do, you see. We travel to eat. Sticky rice and mango, here I come! And of course, pop into Kinokuniya to stock up on some Japanese books.
So I will leave you with a tentative list of books I’m planning to bung into my suitcase:
Dust of Dreams (Malazan 8) by Steven Erikson
Clash of Kings (Song of Ice and Fire 2) by George R.R. Martin
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – as I doubt I’ll finish it before I go
Chinaman by Shehan Karunatilaka – What? I still haven’t read this?
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami – if it doesn’t push my suitcase over the weight limit
And a couple of mysteries I haven’t decided upon yet.
So what are you all up to? Any plans for the new year? Or is there a book I absolutely must take with me on holiday? Come on, spill!
chasing bawa 
9 January, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Have a lovely holiday, Sakura!
What do you think to The Night Circus so far? I am reading that one soon.
9 January, 2012 at 5:02 pm
I’m really enjoying it! Have no idea how it’s going to end, but it’s beautifully written!
9 January, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Enjoy the festival: I’m sure you’ll add tonnes to your TBR list! I’ve heard really good things about Randy Boyagoda’s novel, so will be interested in your impressions on that one for sure.
11 January, 2012 at 11:48 am
I heard him talk last year as well and his new novel sounds very interesting! And yes, my tbr will increase I’m sure;P
9 January, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Have a wonderful trip. I am still in Melbourne returning on the 22nd. How long will you be in Sri Lanka?
11 January, 2012 at 11:49 am
I’ll be there until Feb 4th so maybe we’ll have a chance to catch up?
9 January, 2012 at 9:29 pm
So jealous of your upcoming trip! Sri Lanka is a country I hope to visit someday, and adding in a literary festival is just icing on the cake! I would make sure I left some room in my suitcase for any literary goodies I might pick up at the festival…
11 January, 2012 at 11:50 am
Definitely! If you do go, hit me for some recs:)
9 January, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Hi! Not sure if you remember me, but we met when Alex came for a visit. I wish you a great time away!
I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on “The Night Circus” as I’ve just read that one along with Alex. I was really addicted to it for a few days (good thing I was on holidays!) and after having discussed it, some things made a lot more sense! 🙂
11 January, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Hello Mady:) Of course I remember you! I’ll have to come back to you after I finish ‘The Night Circus’ to discuss it!
10 January, 2012 at 5:09 am
I enjoyed Banana Yoshimoto’s ‘The Lake’, although not everyone agrees with my view 🙂
11 January, 2012 at 12:14 pm
I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews floating around Tony (although I wasn’t a big fan…);P
10 January, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Been hearing mixed reviews about Night circus. Finished my first George RR Martin a week ago and looking forward to the next one. Currently gearing up for the Jaipur Lit Fest myself. Halfway through my reading list 🙂
Have fun at the GLF – looking forward to the updates!
11 January, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Ooh, would like to read about the Jaipur Lit Fest too! Have fun! And you seem more organised than me with your reading list;P
Am really enjoying The Night Circus so far – it’s beautifully written.
13 January, 2012 at 11:34 am
oh have funj sounds wonderful ,I ve just finish A book from a sri lankan writer as well lol ,all the best stu
17 January, 2012 at 10:27 am
Have a lovely trip! And that sounds like a very interesting festival.
8 February, 2012 at 12:29 pm
hi sak, would love to hear about GLF. am sure you had a wonderful time.
9 February, 2012 at 11:14 am
Hello Eri-chan, will be doing a post soon:)