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. |
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Stella Soffía Jóhannesdóttir (above) and Hjalti Snaer AEgisson (right) were two of the tireless organizers of the vibrant Reykjavik International Literary Festival. | 
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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.
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Thor Vilhjálmsson, board member for the Reykjavik International Literary Festival, delights over the program with a festival attendee.
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Kristin Steinsdóttir of the Reykjavik International Literary Festival welcomes Iranian author Kader Abdolah.
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Icelandic novelist and poet Steinar Bragi takes in the assembled literary crowd.
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Icelandic poet and translator Jóhann Hjálmarsson is a striking presence at the podium.
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Writer Bergtóra Hanusadóttir captivates her audience.
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Puerto Rican writer Luis López Nieves reads with intensity from his work.
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Dominican-American writer and creative writing professor Junot Díaz offers an animated reading.
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| Avid readers listened raptly, engaged in lively discussions and gobbled up an eclectic selection of works at the Reykjavik International Literary Festival. |
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| Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o takes part in a panel discussion and later delivers a vibrant reading. |
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| Icelandic novelist, poet and translator Gyrðir Elíasson (left) and Icelandic author Auður Ava Olafsdóttir (right) entrance with readings from their respective works. |
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| The omnipresent Thor Vilhjálmsson confers with festival chairman Sigurður G. Valgeirsson, and enthusiastically welcomes the next reader. |
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2009 Griffin Poetry Prize Canadian winner A.F. Moritz eagerly takes to the stage.
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Griffin trustee Carolyn Forché speaks movingly of The Poetry of Witness. Read the text of her speech here.
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Griffin trustee Michael Ondaatje holds the complete attention of a rapt audience.
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American humorist and writer David Sedaris delighted the audience. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Lithuanian poet and playwright Gintaras Grajauskas presents absorbing selections from his work.
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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.
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German writer and translator Henning Ahrens is very pleased to be taking part in the festival.
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American poet and novelist Jesse Ball enjoys meeting readers at the book signing table.
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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. |
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| Jesse Ball (left) and Henning Ahrens (right) enjoy chatting with other festival participants. |
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Artist Marlene Creates, Griffin Poetry Prize 2007 winner Don McKay and Griffin Poetry Prize 2002 judge Dionne Brand (above) drink in the literary atmosphere, as do Griffin Poetry Prize 2009 nominee Jeramy Dodds and Brecken Hancock (at right). | 
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Not long after she returned from Reykjavik, Dionne Brand was announced as Toronto's new poet laureate.
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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.
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Scott Griffin muses happily on the prominence of poetry at the Reykjavik festival.
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Jesse Ball delivers an animated reading.
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Henning Ahrens connects with a captivated audience.
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Dionne Brand mesmerizes the audience with a powerful reading.
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Not long after his appearance in Reykjavik, Robin Robertson won the prestigious Forward Prize for Best Single Poem.
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Krystyne Griffin is delighted at the success of the Reykjavik trip.
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Hjalti Snaer AEgisson congratulates Don McKay on his stirring speech "Why Poetry?" Read the text of his speech here.
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David Young enjoyed meeting artists from around the world in Reykjavik.
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Carolyn Forche has an absorbing discussion with Shetland poet and musician Lise Sinclair.
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The unflappable Griffin Trust manager Ruth Smith got her poets there and back with nary a hitch.
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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. |
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| As the literary events wind down, the band starts to warm up. |
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Jesse Ball and A.F. Moritz compare some final notes.
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Literary fans toast the very successful and memorable Reykjavik International Literary Festival.
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Photo credits: All photos courtesy of the Reykjavik International Literary Festival
