Is literature important during times of conflict? Some say it’s life-changing

Literature at times of conflict

The significance of literature during periods of conflict has been a topic of contemplation for generations. In a world fraught with violence, wars, and social upheaval, can books, poems, and stories truly make a difference? This question has elicited varied responses, and in the words of Mary Kaldor of the London School of Economics, we […]

Book clubs: is the trend of literary gatherings dying out?

In recent years, book clubs have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, drawing not only avid readers but also celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Emma Roberts, and even Bridgerton creator Shonda Rhimes into their literary fold. The question that now lingers is whether this cultural phenomenon is fading into obscurity, losing its once-pervasive appeal. COVID […]

Banned Books Week: a catastrophic threat to intellectual freedom

On Banned Books Week we see a black and white authoritarian style library, with a man in black walking down the aisle and burn mark across the image

In a world devoid of imagination, creativity, and a diversity of ideas, envision a society where certain books are deemed unfit for consumption. Such a bleak scenario is the essence of book banning and censorship, a practice that poses a significant threat to the freedom to read and the preservation of intellectual freedom. Banned Books […]