By : Clare Lord.
Brome Lake’s highly regarded Knowlton Literary Festival returns October 15–17 for its 16th edition, bringing an impressive lineup of Canadian writers to town for conversation, discovery and celebration. The festival is championed by international author and local gem Louise Penny, along with a dedicated team of volunteers.
Inspiring Local Students
Prior to the festival are events designed to inspire local students. Julia Hune-Brown will introduce her book Poh Poh’s Sword to 60 students at Knowlton Academy, while keynote speaker Svens Telemaque will share his journey from adversity to empowerment with some 500 students at Massey-Vanier High School.
Celebrating Local Authors
Thursday evening, Brome Lake Books hosts a celebration of five local authors – Marianne Ackerman, Tanya Bellhumeur-Allatt, Shelley Mizner, Frank Nixon and Andrew Retchless – from 6 to 8:30 p.m. It’s a chance to discover the wealth of literary talent in our community.
Opening Reception
Friday’s opening reception features journalist Whit Fraser in conversation with Paul Workman, former London Bureau Chief for CTV News. Fraser, husband of Governor General Mary Simon, will discuss his latest book, From Ragged Ass Road to Rideau Hall: Stories of Canada.
A Full Day of Literature
Saturday’s packed program begins with local poet and author Bellhumeur-Allatt speaking with Sheila Quinn about her book Carrying War (named Best Book of the Summer by The Globe and Mail), as well as her poetry collections.
The day continues with author Jennifer Chevalier discussing her debut novel, The Winter Witch, inspired by Canada’s Filles du Roi; psychological thriller writer Shari Lapena presenting her 10th book, Getting Away with Murder; and foreign correspondent Lyse Doucet chatting with Louise Penny about The Finest Hotel in Kabul, her account of the historic Inter-Continental Hotel.
The festival closes Saturday evening with a tribute to Leonard Cohen, featuring journalist Michael Posner, author of the three-volume biography Leonard Cohen: Untold Stories, alongside local musicians performing Cohen’s iconic songs.
As Literary Festival president Lucy Hoblyn puts it, “the festival has grown out of our incredibly unique community.” Judging by this year’s lineup, that community still has plenty of stories to tell.
Tickets and Information
For tickets, times and venues go to www.knowltonliteraryfestival.ca or call 450-242-2242.
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