Brussels Agenda: Summer Readings in the Citizens’ Garden

More cultural activities in the Brussels’ European quarter – the beautiful Citizens’ Garden will host a series of summer readings in the first two weeks of July. Located right next to the European Parliament, this serene oasis in the heart of the buzzing EU District will offer a chance to slow down and reflect with a series of literary readings. It is a perfect opportunity to get immersed in European literature with authors from Sweden, Spain, Estonia and Germany.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays during the first two weeks of July, the public can discover European literature during the summer readings in the Citizens’ Garden. In addition, a series of concerts are taking place this summer in the same location and you can learn more in our dedicated article about the concerts in the Citizens’ Garden.

What to expect?

During the first week, attend a literary reading with author of the Swedish Europa trilogy and discover the Spanish novel Land of Women. Touch upon matters such as migration, the fight against terrorism as well as gender issues in relation to the situation of women living in rural areas that is hardly recognised by the general public.

During week two, you can listen to one of the most compelling Estonian authors and the German winner of the European Literature Prize 2020. Learn more about the Baltic view on the Russian invasion in Ukraine with the background of post-Soviet experiences and current personal encounters with people in Ukraine. Share literary expressions revealing human and philosophical views on survival in our contemporary world, illuminating precisely that space of possibility between loss of homeland, euphoria of departure and longing.

Tuesday 4 July – The Europa trilogy – a series of geopolitical thrillers by Alexander Koistinen
Thursday 6 July – Land of women by María Sánchez
Tuesday 11 July – In the Van by Maarja Kangro
Thursday 13 July – The Sad Guest by Matthias Nawrat

After a short introduction by the moderator, authors will give a 20-30 minute reading from their work. After each reading, the public will have the opportunity to debate with the author about her/his work and the topics she/he touches upon in an interactive Q&A session.

The readings will take place in the mother tongue of the book, with text translations provided in English. Discussion between the moderator and the author will take place in English.

The literary readings will begin at 12:30 and will last roughly one hour each.

For the full programming, consult this PDF brochure.