For 5 days, lovers of all things books are in for a treat. Happening from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, the Toronto International Festival of Authors takes over Victoria University at U of T. With author talks, workshops, book signings, and more, there are over 100 events to attend. Authors from around the world share the stage and their stories with Canadian writers.
The list of incredible authors is deep. From award winners to debut authors as one of the largest and longest running literary festival there is something for everyone.
Here are 3 books from authors attending the festival you must put on your TBR.
From the author of the critically acclaimed novel Sandwich, our protagonist, Rocky, is back. Back from the coast, her daughter and father have moved home, and her son has moved out of state. Everything is right as rain until she becomes obsessed with a local accident and a medical condition she hopes won’t change anything.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
Both Sunny and Sonia are Indian immigrants living in the US. Sonia is finishing school and is in a dysfunctional relationship. Sunny is a struggling journalist also dating an American. They both feel a deep, emotional loneliness. Their families back home can’t understand how, in a world so big, anyone could feel loneliness at all. They had met previously, during a disastrous arranged marriage attempt, and their first impressions of each other were not good. But a chance encounter on an overnight train in India changes everything.
Pick A Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa
Ning is just another Susan at the nail salon, painting and trimming, and tweezing. She enjoys the rhythms and routines of her work. But over the course of a day, she starts to internalize all those paths she did not take and starts to see the power dynamics of her coworkers as their gossip is just a glossy veneer over veiled hopes and dreams.
You can purchase either day passes or full festival passes that will get you into most events. Check the website to see which you will need to pre-register.