On Sunday 21 November the European Literature Days 2021 concluded with a literary and musical matinée and the presentation of the Austrian Book Trade Honorary Award for Tolerance in Thought and Action to the writer Navid Kermani. Four intensive days, filled with exceptional literature and fascinating discussions with international writers who shared their opinions on the theme “Travel Routes. On the Road to be Free?”

After the lockdown and the exclusive digital edition of the festival in November 2020, the European Literature Days were held again with writers and an audience at a local venue, although with strict safety rules due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“On the road to be free?” was the headline theme for all readings and conversations with writers. The text on this theme by the Iraqi-German writer Najem Wali was specially commissioned for the European Literature Days and is now available to browse along with the daily Bulletin by both podcast editors Victoria Strobl and Irene Zanol.

The dialogues on “Travel Routes. On the Road to be Free?” were recorded and will be broadcast as one-hour films on Okto.TV from 6 to 12 December 2021. The short films will then be available to view via the Elit YouTube Digital Media Archive.