by Urednik Pontalopud
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by Urednik Pontalopud
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This week, a two-day literary event will open the door to dialogue between renowned authors, intellectuals, and the public.
The island of Lopud, famed for its historical heritage and breath-taking natural beauty, will transform into a literary hotspot on September 27 and 28. The inaugural Ponta Lopud Book Bridge will gather renowned authors, university professors, and scholars from Croatia, India, Ireland, and various European countries, creating opportunities for interaction with emerging writers and literature enthusiasts alike. Set in the historic Rector’s Palace, visitors will be treated to an immersive program of lectures, workshops, and discussions, all celebrating the transformative power of literature and cultural exchange.
The event will open with remarks from James Candon, a former legal professional in the tech industry and an emerging writer with a strong dedication to cultural dialogue. His deep passion for literature and connection to Lopud are central to the event’s ethos. Joining him for the opening will be a researcher in Linguistics and writer Ivana Lovrić Jović, along with Irish Ambassador to Croatia Wendy Dorman-Smith. The program continues with a presentation of Budapest Noir: Ilona Gets A Phone by Alison Langley, a former foreign correspondent whose shift to fiction has produced a gripping noir thriller. Langley will offer insights into the challenges and inspirations that shaped her literary path, providing the audience a unique glimpse into the making of her debut novel. Award-winning Belgian author Colette Victor will lead a creative workshop The Power of Personal Narrative: Unlocking the Potential of Your Own Story, encouraging participants to uncover their own voices through stories that connect and expand perspectives, giving them an opportunity to explore the power of personal narrative.
The afternoon will spotlight a recently published book The Inheritance by Cauvery Madhavan, a novel that explores the rich and intricate history of Ireland’s Beara Peninsula through a narrative of identity, longing, and the pursuit of peace. Ivana Lovrić Jović will challenge conventional concepts of gender in literature with her talk on the term women’s prose, while poetry enthusiasts can participate in a workshop led by award-winning poet and short story writer Katja Knežević. Under her expert guidance, participants will delve into the power of poetic expression and uncover their own lyrical voices.
The first day will conclude with an intriguing discussion titled Capital and Labour Are the Great Antagonists of Our Times, featuring renowned Irish economist David McWilliams and trade union official Adrian Kane. They will explore the complex relationship between capital and labour and its impact on modern society. The discussion will be moderated by James Candon and writer, literary critic, and Jutarnji List editor Dalibor Šimpraga.

Lopud Island
Day two will begin with a lecture by Paul Fagan, postdoctoral researcher in the field of Irish Literature, titled Celibate Politics, Aesthetics, and Sexualities in Irish Women’s Writing. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Staša Aras, writer, creative writing workshop leader, book club host at the Marin Držić Theatre, and editor. Alison Langley, Paul Fagan, Cauvery Madhavan, and Wendy Erskine will explore how contemporary literature reflects rapid changes in society, politics, and technology. This dialogue promises to offer thought-provoking discussions on how authors respond to social and economic challenges and how literature can address the pressing questions of our time.
The afternoon session will highlight economist, professor, and writer Danijela Crljen, who will deliver her presentation titled I’m Not a Writer, Except When I Write. Drawing from her diverse professional experiences, Crljen champions the importance of dialogue as a tool for societal improvement. She passionately believes that gatherings like these are vital for fostering meaningful change, achieved through small, deliberate steps. Following her presentation, renowned economist David McWilliams will take the stage to present his book Money: A Story of Humanity, offering insights into the evolution of money and its profound impact on human civilization.
The event will close with a lecture by writer Wendy Erskine, The Short Story: Myths, Realities, and Pleasures, and a reading of her short story Gloria and Max, showcasing the strength of this literary form in provoking thought and offering readers enjoyment.

View from Rector’s Palace
Ponta Lopud Book Bridge will provide a platform for dialogue, creative expression, and intellectual exchange, connecting writers and readers while fostering unity through literature. All events are free of charge, and the festival is set to become a staple of Croatia’s cultural calendar, bringing together authors from around the world in the inspiring setting of Lopud Island.
Ponta Lopud Creative Platform hosts and presents three summer cultural programs in 2024, welcoming all art lovers, especially those passionate about film, music, and literature. Ponta Lopud Summer Screenings, celebrating the art of film, was the first of three events held from June 27 to 29. The second event, which attracted music lovers to the island from August 29 to 31, is the popular Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. The third, new addition to the creative platform is the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, a festival running from September 27 to 29, rounding off the summer festivities and closing Lopud’s cultural-artistic season.
For more information visit pontalopud.hr and follow the Ponta Lopud Creative Platform on social media – Instagram and Facebook.