Paul Lynch, winner of the Booker Prize for best-selling his novel 'Prophet Song', has been announced to be visiting the 2024 National Book Festival organized by the National Book Council.
The Council said that Irishman Paul Lynch, author of the prestigious Booker Prize-winning novel 'Prophet Song' is the special guest of the 2024 edition of the National Book Festival organized by the National Book Council itself, to be held at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC). Lynch's participation was made possible through the work of Irish Ambassador to Malta Caroline Whelan.
The Minister for Education praised the work of the Council for organizing the ever-growing festival that provides a platform for book culture in Malta to continue to flourish. "The fact that the Festival attracts a large number of visitors and participants, shows how important Maltese books are important in our culture. Such initiatives ensure that we will continue to be proud of our local product. I know as a father, how nice it is to see the children enjoying interesting books. This is something we must keep nurturing and celebrating and the National Book Festival is the ideal place for this," he said.
The Chairman of the National Book Council Mark Camilleri spoke of the constant growth of the festival that continued to expand in scope and ambition. "This year, we will welcome around 6000 registered students from primary, secondary and middle schools. The festival remains free of charge for everyone and offers a wide range of activities including workshops led by professionals in the industry, sessions with literary agents and a masterclass by the popular author, Anthony Horowitz who will join Lynch as a high profile international guest." He emphasized that like previous years, that a sensory room will be available for those who would need a quiet space thanks to collaboration with Inspire Malta and APS Bank.
Camilleri said how satisfied he is with international prestige of the ever-growing National Book Festival and stressed that the participation of personalities of the calibre of Paul Lynch reflects the growing prestige of the festival. He pointed out that the growth in exhibitors and foreign cultural partners contribute to the success of the event alongside the entities such as APS, Inspire Malta and Benna which are crucial.
Irish Ambassador Whelan said that is was her special pleasure to collaborate with the National Book Council in their efforts to bring over the latest Irish international literary success; Paul Lynch. She said that 'Prophet Song' was the highest selling book in Ireland in 2023 and with Lynch winning the Booker Prize, he joins the ranks of other Irish Booker Prize-winners such as Iris Murdoch and John Banville which she said shed light on the extraordinary literary talent in Ireland.
The National Book Festival will be held at the MFCC, Ta' Qali from this Wednesday to Sunday 10th November. For further information and the programme of events readers are invited to visit ktieb.org.mt or the Instagram or Facebook pages of the National Book Festival.