Literary festivals can amaze and disappoint

From Ubud to Singapore and George Town, the year-end sees a host of literary festivals in the region. But are such festivals really good for readers?

Indian author Kiran Desai (left) at her book signing during the Singapore Writers Festival last month.
Indian author Kiran Desai (left) at her book signing during the Singapore Writers Festival last month. PHOTO: SINGAPORE WRITERS FESTIVAL
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While Singapore may not really have seasons save, as the joke goes, hot and hotter and wet and wetter, literature lovers in and around the country certainly think of the festival season.

Bali's picturesque Ubud Writers and Readers Festival kicks things off in late October before the marathon Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) of early November; then it's the vibrant George Town Literary Festival later that month.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 20, 2018, with the headline Literary festivals can amaze and disappoint. Subscribe