Star authors en vogue at Frankfurt book fair

World
Europe

Margaret Atwood, Dan Brown and Nicholas Sparks are among the big names descending on Frankfurt this week as the world's oldest book fair glams up for the Instagram generation, hoping to wow the crowds with "live events" by star authors.

And with France as this year's guest country, it's not just writers who are getting top billing: President Emmanuel Macron is set to formally open the fair with Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday, accompanied by a who's-who of the French literary scene.

After last year's edition focused on ways for publishers to tap into new technologies such as virtual reality and 3D printing, organizers this year are going back to basics, putting the spotlight back on writers and their readers.

The Frankfurt Book Fair 2017 has been scheduled from October 11 to 15. /Photo via Printweek

"There's a desire to see authors, to experience them in real life," the fair's spokeswoman Katja Boehne told reporters ahead of the five-day event, expected to attract over 270,000 visitors.

"The book is more alive than ever," Boehne said, describing a growing trend of fans queuing to see their favorite author in a "pop concert-like" atmosphere.

Legendary Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood, whose 1985 dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" is now a successful TV show, will be among the top draws in Frankfurt where she will be presented with the German book trade's "peace prize" for her prescient body of work.

Fairgoers are also expected to jostle for a glimpse of US romance novelist Nicholas Sparks, whose mega-hits include "The Notebook" and "Message in a Bottle", while historical thriller writer Ken Follett, Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern, and Paula Hawkins of "The Girl on the Train" fame will likewise draw readers hoping for an autograph or a selfie.

Dan Brown /Twitter Photo

But the undisputed highlight comes on Saturday, when Dan Brown presents his new thriller "Origin" – the latest installment in the bestselling "The Da Vinci Code" series – in front of an audience of 1,800 book lovers.

In what has been billed a "live event" with tickets selling for 24.50 euros (29 US dollars), Brown will lift the veil on professor Robert Langdon's latest high-adrenaline quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

"An event like this, that attracts nearly 2,000 people, we couldn't have done that in the past," said the fair's director Juergen Boos, adding that he planned to "massively expand" on the concept in the coming years.

"Our industry simply has to think about image as well, we have to make our business more glamorous," he said.

The Frankfurt Book Fair 2017 has been scheduled from October 11 to 15.

(Cover photo via Flanderstoday)

7790km

Source(s): AFP