SLAA (Stichting Literaire Activiteiten Amsterdam) organizes the program Roots! during the Read My World festival, exploring the influence of literature on one’s artistic practice.

Four Dutch and international guests will provide answers to questions in a column format, such as: What literature did you come across as a child or young adult? What books were found in your parents’ bookshelf? What was being read in your surroundings? Did you read books that reflected your roots, or the opposite? In what way have these works shaped your voice as a creator/writer?

Following the column, the guests will engage in a conversation. Do they recognize themselves in each other’s stories? What are the similarities or differences?