Vancouver Writers Fest brings Margaret Atwood, Louise Penny and R. F. Kuang to local stages

Vancouver Writers Fest (VWF) might be an annual fall institution, but they’re bringing some big-name authors to town this May.

International bestselling authors Margaret Atwood, Louise Penny and R. F. Kuang are coming to Vancouver next month as a special spring event series.

According to a release, the VWF Bestsellers Series “not only gives you an opportunity to hear from some of the most celebrated authors in the world; it supports us in programming our flagship Festival later this year, and helps us continue to thrive in challenging times.”

First up, we have inarguably Canada’s best-known author, Margaret Atwood. She will speak to Scotiabank Giller Prize and Griffin Prize-winning writer Ian Williams about her new collection, Old Babes in the Woods, on May 7 at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts. 

Then, long-running mystery novelist Louise Penny will talk to veteran CBC broadcaster Shelagh Rogers about the 18th book in her Inspector Gamache series, A World of Curiosities. They’ll be conversing on May 13 at St Andrew’s-Wesley United Church. 

Finally, Chinese-American novelist R. F. Kuang speaks to Vancouver-based author Eddy Boudel Tan about her new literary (and literature-themed) thriller, Yellowface, a departure from her previous historical or fantasy work. Kuang and Boudel Tan are having their discussion on May 22 at the Djavad Mawafaghian Cinema in Simon Fraser University’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts.

VWF began in 1988, making this year its 35th anniversary. The coral/jade anniversary line-up for the main festival will be announced later this year.

VWF’s Bestsellers Series costs $35, or $20 for youth under 25. All events begin at 7.30 pm. Tickets are on sale here.