Jólabókaflóð: The Christmas Book Avalanche
Roland Gulliver, director of the Toronto International Festival of Authors, welcomes literary enthusiasts to Fleck Dance Theatre for an engaging discussion about the beloved Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, also known as the Christmas book flood. During the round table, guests can hear from Icelandic Writer and Poet Thora Hjörleifsdóttir, Icelandic Writer Einar Kárason and internationally bestselling Canadian Novelist Shari Lapena. In addition to the Jólabókaflóð custom, the writers will discuss the joy of sharing stories, the books they gift to loved ones, the books they have been given that have inspired their writing, and more.
In line with Jólabókaflóð traditions, Inspired by Iceland: North America is gifting a wrapped book to each attendee after the event for guests to open with their families during the upcoming holiday celebrations. For more information or to pre-register for the literary discussion, please click the Register Here button below.
Additionally, guests can sign up for a chance to spin Icelandair’s Wheel of Prizes before three contestants are randomly selected during the drawing at 1pm.
Date: December 5 at 2pm ET
Location: Fleck Dance Theatre (located inside Queen’s Quay Terminal), 207 Queens Quay West, 3rd Floor
Disclaimer: All attendees must provide proof of double vaccination before being permitted to enter the venue. The venue will be operating at approximately half its capacity to accommodate for social distancing. Due to COVID-19 regulations, pre-registration for the event is mandatory. Pre-registration does not guarantee entry, and the event is first-come, first-served.
Thora Hjörleifsdóttir has published three poetry collections with her poetry collective, Imposter Poets. She lives in Reykjavík. Magma is her first novel.
Einar Kárason (born November 24, 1955 in Reykjavik, Iceland) started his career writing poetry for literary magazines, and published his first novel in 1981. His novel ar sem djoflaeyjan ris was translated into English as Devil’s Island (2000) and made into a film. Kárason has been presented with many awards for his work, including the Icelandic Literary Prize for his novel Fury (2009). His latest novel, Storm Birds (2018), has been sold for publication in more than 15 countries.
Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of the thrillers The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know, The End of Her and Not a Happy Family, which have all been New York Times and The Sunday Times (London) bestsellers. Her books have been sold in thirty-seven territories around the world. She lives in Toronto.
This event has undergone a participant change. Please be advised that Harold R. Johnson, originally scheduled for this event, can no longer appear.