Celebrated Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina and journalist Tetyana Teren explore the role of writers during times of war and grapple with the question of art’s place amid nationwide destruction. They reflect on whether writers carry a responsibility to focus their literary gaze on the violence surrounding them and how continuing to write and publish can itself be a form of resistance.   With the invasion of Ukraine now into a second year, they consider how writers have responded to the war in different ways, and how writing and form continue to evolve as a means of processing trauma on an individual and collective basis.  

Victoria and Tetyana appear in conversation with Claire Armitstead from the Guardian.

Tickets are free to book, with a limit of two per booking. 

This event is part of the Ukraine Guest Spotlight Country at the London Book Fair and is presented by British Council, British Library, English PEN, PEN International, PEN Ukraine, the Ukrainian Book Institute and the Ukrainian Institute.