It is that time of year again: Oman will host the 27th International Muscat Book Fair from February 22.
With over 32 countries participating, the fair will give a once in a year opportunity to book lovers to interact with all things literary – books, writers, book signings and all related activities.
The reinvention of book fairs as literary festivals is a product of the 21st century. With the advent of e-books and audio books, the popularity of hard bound books was doubtful. The rise of social media did little to assuage that fear, as pundits felt that long reading would soon be a dying habit.
Luckily, the naysayers were proved wrong and book sales have only seen a sharp in every part of the world. The pandemic helped to boost sales of books by almost 35 per cent, according to NPR. In spite of all the challenges that books face, their fate is not doomed yet.
But it is no longer enough to place books in a stall and expect readers to flock to them. Writers are celebrities in their own right, and just like actors, are expected to make public appearances. Book signings, talk shows and interviews are essential to promote books and raise awareness.
Nor are books seen in isolation from the culture and context in which they are written or exhibited. International events like the Jaipur Literary Festival and the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, two of the most popular in this region, show how book fairs can promote a holistic approach to reading.
This includes hosting panels with writers discussing various ideas, book readings that create atmospheric depth, and even cultural events that showcase the host country’s heritage.
In fact, most literary festivals now promote local culture through poetry recitations, traditional dances and musical evenings. This promotes intercultural communication and brings artists and writers together with their audience.
Book festivals are also opportunities to focus on specific regional or linguistic areas. The Muscat Book Fair is focusing on Bahrain this year and the Governorate of South Batinah is being highlighted with various cultural events. This helps to introduce specific regions and their contribution to art and culture.
Another valuable contribution to a literary festival is the inclusion of a special children’s corner. Having storytellers give voice and action to books and giving children opportunities to interact with writers will help children to raise their curiosity and engage more meaningfully with books even after the event is over.
Of late, book fairs have begun to focus on emerging forms of storytelling, whether it is graphic novels, gaming or VR (Virtual Reality). As children are visual learners, introducing them to these new forms of literature will ensure that they stay interested in fiction, whatever form it takes.
Book fairs, or literary festivals are an integral part of a cultured society, and constantly re-inventing its form and content will ensure that reading will remain a favourite activity.
Telling a story is an ancient art, and listening to one should continue in the future.
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