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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 OCTOBER 2024 2 BOOKS Booker Prize-winning author Paul Lynch set for the Malta Book Festival 2024 IRISH author Paul Lynch, whose 2023 novel Prophet Song won the prestigious Booker, will be a special guest at the 2024 edition of the Malta Book Festival. The event is organised by the National Book Council (NBC) and taking place at the Malta Fairs & Con- ventions Centre (MFCC), Ta' Qa- li from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 November. This was announced during a press conference launching the programme of the Malta Book Festival 2024, which took place earlier today at the National Li- brary, Valletta. Paul Lynch's par- ticipation was made possible with the support of the Irish Embassy in Malta. Lynch will be in conversation with Maltese journalist Emma Mattei on Friday 8 November, in a public event forming part of the Festival's jam-packed pro- gramme. In his address, National Book Council Chairman Mark Camill- eri noted the steady growth of the Malta Book Festival, which con- tinues to expand in both scope and ambition. "This year, we are welcoming around 6,000 reg- istered students from primary, middle and secondary schools," he said, adding that the Festival remains free for all, offering a wide range of activities. These in- clude workshops led by industry professionals, sessions with liter- ary agents, and a masterclass by popular author Anthony Horow- itz — who will be joining Lynch as another high-profile international guest. Camilleri also emphasized how like in previous years a Senso- ry-Friendly Room, will be de- signed for those needing a quiet space, thanks to collaborations with Inspire Malta and APS Bank. Camilleri expressed his pride in the Malta Book Festival's growing international stature, highlight- ing the participation of Booker Prize-winning author Paul Lynch. "Attracting such high-profile names reflects the festival's ris- ing prestige," he remarked. He thanked the Festival's many col- laborators and noted the increas- ing number of exhibitors and foreign cultural partners con- tributing to the event's success. Camilleri also stressed the crucial importance of partners such as Arts Council Malta, APS and In- spire Malta, along with Energy & Water Agency, Benna, the Water Services Corporation and Piscopo Gardens. Speaking at the press confer- ence, Irish Ambassador to Malta H.E. Caroline Whelan said that it was a "particular pleasure" to collaborate with the NBC in their efforts to bring "Ireland's latest in- ternational literary success, Paul Lynch, to the Maltese Islands". Highlighting that Prophet Song was the best-selling book in Ire- land for 2023, the Ambassador stressed how Lynch now joins an illustrious tradition of Book- er Prize-winning Irish authors, among them the likes of Iris Mur- doch, John Banville, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright and Anna Burns, which "shines a light on the range of extraordinary literary talent that continues to emerge from the country". During his intervention, Minis- ter for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Hon. Clifton Grima commended the NBC for once again organising a exceptional edition of the Malta Book Festival, which has grown from strength to strength each year and provides a vibrant hub for Maltese book culture to thrive. Grima noted that the Festival's programme gives ample space to book lovers and industry pro- fessionals to interact and turn challenges into opportunities. He commended the NBC for its col- laborations with other entities to further enhance the profile of the event. He referred to the national strategy for education and how the Festival puts the people and students at the heart of its prepa- rations. The Malta Book Festival will be taking place at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta' Qali from Wednesday 6 to Sun- day 10 November. For the full programme, click here. For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit ktieb.org. mt and the Malta Book Festival Facebook and Instagram page.