Reykjavik – 2009

The international spotlight was on writers and poets Dionne Brand, Robert Bringhurst, Jeramy Dodds, Carolyn Forché, Don McKay, A.F. Moritz, Michael Ondaatje, Robin Robertson, and David Young, all of whom joined Scott and Krystyne Griffin in Reykjavik, Iceland September 6-12, 2009 to participate in the Reykjavik International Literary Festival.

Saturday, September 12 was the festival’s Poetry Day, with a full afternoon devoted to readings and talks presented by participating Griffin Poetry Prize poets and trustees. Carolyn Forché and Don McKay delivered stirring speeches on the theme of “Why Poetry?”

Reykjavik International Literary Festival 2009 Photo Gallery

• Stella Soffía Jóhannesdóttir

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  Stella Soffía Jóhannesdóttir was one of the tireless organizers of the vibrant Reykjavik International Literary Festival.

  

• Hjalti Snaer AEgisson

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  Hjalti Snaer AEgisson was another one of the dedicated organizers of the unforgettable Reykjavik International Literary Festival.

  

• Enthusiastic and attentive Reykjavik audiences

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  From beginning to end, the Griffin Trust contingent and all authors and readers were blessed with enthusiastic, attentive audiences in Reykjavik.

  

• Thor Vilhjálmsson

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  Thor Vilhjálmsson, board member for the Reykjavik International Literary Festival, delights over the program with a festival attendee.

  

• Kristin Steinsdóttir and Kader Abdolah

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  Kristin Steinsdóttir of the Reykjavik International Literary Festival welcomes Iranian author Kader Abdolah.

  

• Steinar Bragi

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  Icelandic novelist and poet Steinar Bragi takes in the assembled literary crowd.

  

• Jóhann Hjálmarsson

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  Icelandic poet and translator Jóhann Hjálmarsson is a striking presence at the podium.

  

• Bergtóra Hanusadóttir

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  Writer Bergtóra Hanusadóttir captivates her audience.

  

• Luis López Nieves

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  Puerto Rican writer Luis López Nieves reads with intensity from his work.

  

• Junot Díaz

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  Dominican-American writer and creative writing professor Junot Díaz offers an animated reading.

  

• Avid readers

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  Avid readers listened raptly ...

  

• Avid readers

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  ... listened raptly some more ...

  

• Avid readers

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  ... engaged in lively discussions ...

  

• Avid readers

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  ... and gobbled up an eclectic selection of works at the Reykjavik International Literary Festival.

  

• Ngugi wa Thiong'o

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  Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o takes part in a panel discussion.

  

• Ngugi wa Thiong'o

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  Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o delivers a vibrant reading.

  

• Gyrðir Elíasson

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  Icelandic novelist, poet and translator Gyrðir Elíasson entrances with a reading from his works.

  

• Auður Ava Olafsdóttir

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  Icelandic author Auður Ava Olafsdóttir holds the audience spellbound with her reading.

  

• Thor Vilhjálmsson

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  The omnipresent Thor Vilhjálmsson confers with festival chairman Sigurður G. Valgeirsson.

  

• Thor Vilhjálmsson

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  The omnipresent Thor Vilhjálmsson enthusiastically welcomes the next reader.

  

• A.F. Moritz

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  2009 Griffin Poetry Prize Canadian winner A.F. Moritz eagerly takes to the stage.

  

• Carolyn Forché

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  Griffin trustee Carolyn Forché speaks movingly of The Poetry of Witness.

  

• Michael Ondaatje

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  Griffin trustee Michael Ondaatje holds the complete attention of a rapt audience.

  

• David Sedaris

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  American humorist and writer David Sedaris delighted the audience.

  

• Griffin Trust contingent explores Iceland

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  Robin Robertson, Carolyn Forché, Michael Ondaatje, David Young and the rest of the Griffin contingent enjoyed exploring Iceland between literary events.

  

• Griffin Trust contingent explores Iceland

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  Robin Robertson, Carolyn Forché, Michael Ondaatje, David Young and the rest of the Griffin contingent enjoyed exploring Iceland between literary events.

  

• Griffin Trust contingent explores Iceland

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  Robin Robertson, Carolyn Forché, Michael Ondaatje, David Young and the rest of the Griffin contingent enjoyed exploring Iceland between literary events.

  

• Carolyn Forché

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  Robin Robertson, Carolyn Forché, Michael Ondaatje, David Young and the rest of the Griffin contingent enjoyed exploring Iceland between literary events.

  

• Griffin Trust contingent enjoys hanging out with Reykjavik literary festival participants and organizersGriffin Trust contingent enjoys hanging out with Reykjavik literary festival participants and organizers

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  Scott Griffin, A.F. Moritz, Krystyne Griffin, Michael Ondaatje, David Young, Ruth Smith and the rest of the Griffin contingent enjoyed mingling with the other festival participants at lively, collegial meals.

  

• Griffin Trust contingent enjoys hanging out with Reykjavik literary festival participants and organizers

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  Scott Griffin, A.F. Moritz, Krystyne Griffin, Michael Ondaatje, David Young, Ruth Smith and the rest of the Griffin contingent enjoyed mingling with the other festival participants at lively, collegial meals.

  

• Gintaras Grajauskas

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  Lithuanian poet and playwright Gintaras Grajauskas presents absorbing selections from his work.

  

• Sjón

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  Icelandic author and poet Sjón, known for his work composing lyrics for famed Icelandic singer Bjork, is a delightful presence at the festival.

  

• Henning Ahrens

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  German writer and translator Henning Ahrens is very pleased to be taking part in the festival.

  

• Jesse Ball

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  American poet and novelist Jesse Ball enjoys meeting readers at the book signing table.

  

• Jesse Ball

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  Jesse Ball enjoys chatting with other festival participants.

  

• Michael Ondaatje

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  Michael Ondaatje was in high demand on discussion panels and at the book signing tables, where he enjoyed chatting with many knowledgeable and personable CanLit fans.

  

• Michael Ondaatje

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  Michael Ondaatje was in high demand on discussion panels and at the book signing tables, where he enjoyed chatting with many knowledgeable and personable CanLit fans.

  

• Marlene Creates, Don McKay and Dionne Brand

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  Artist Marlene Creates, Griffin Poetry Prize 2007 winner Don McKay and Griffin Poetry Prize 2002 judge Dionne Brand drink in the literary atmosphere.

  

• Jeramy Dodds and Brecken Hancock

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  Griffin Poetry Prize 2009 nominee Jeramy Dodds and Brecken Hancock enjoy mingling at various literary events.

  

• Dionne Brand

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  Not long after she returned from Reykjavik, Dionne Brand was announced as Toronto's new poet laureate.

  

• Robert Bringhurst

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  Robert Bringhurst delivered a special talk at the festival on The Flight of the Raven, Oral Literature of the Haida in British Columbia.

  

• Scott Griffin

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  Scott Griffin muses happily on the prominence of poetry at the Reykjavik festival.

  

• Jesse Ball

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  Jesse Ball delivers an animated reading.

  

• Henning Ahrens

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  Henning Ahrens strikes a chord with a captivated audience.

  

• Dionne Brand

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  Dionne Brand mesmerizes the audience with a powerful reading.

  

• Robin Robertson

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  Not long after his appearance in Reykjavik, Robin Robertson won the prestigious Forward Prize for Best Single Poem.

  

• Krystyne Griffin

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  Krystyne Griffin is delighted at the success of the Reykjavik trip.

  

• Hjalti Snaer AEgisson and Don McKay

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  Hjalti Snaer AEgisson congratulates Don McKay on his stirring speech "Why Poetry?"

  

• David Young

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  David Young enjoyed meeting artists from around the world in Reykjavik.

  

• Carolyn Forché and Lise Sinclair

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  Carolyn Forché has an absorbing discussion with Shetland poet and musician Lise Sinclair.

  

• Ruth Smith

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  The unflappable Griffin Trust manager Ruth Smith got her poets there and back with nary a hitch.

  

• Michael Ondaatje

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  Michael Ondaatje speaks on behalf of the entire Griffin contingent as he thanks the other festival participants and the gracious Reykjavik hosts for a memorable visit.

  

• And now we will dance!

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  As the literary events wind down, the band starts to warm up.

  

• Jesse Ball and A.F. Moritz

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  Jesse Ball and A.F. Moritz compare some final notes.

  

• Reykjavik literary fans

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  Literary fans toast the very successful and memorable Reykjavik International Literary Festival.

  

Click the center of the large image for a more detailed view and description.

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of the Reykjavik International Literary Festival