Summary of Key Highlights
The 2026 Shanghai Book Fair opened on August 11, with the main forum focusing on the theme "Generations and Rebirth," inviting 10 authors from around the world to share their creative experiences and life stories. The forum discussed topics such as "how time influences literary growth," "the power of intergenerational transmission," and "how writers can make their works timeless." Many authors presented new books, using stories to illustrate the peaceful value of literature in turbulent times, as well as its role in bridging gaps between generations and cultures.
I. "Generations and Rebirth": Literature as a Lifeline Across Time and Space
The core theme of the main forum, "Generations and Rebirth," was vividly illustrated by the authors. British author Anne Winterson described literature as a "rope that spans time and space"—a connection to people who have passed away but still understand us, helping us to reflect on or rediscover ourselves. Jin Wen, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, mentioned the concept of the "Odyssey period" (a phase of exploring one's place in life), emphasizing that generations represent a "time difference" between individuals and also an opportunity for resonance. In an era of rapid changes brought about by large-scale models and geopolitics, literature serves as a soothing balm, providing lasting peace. Winterson's event attracted 200,000 readers eager to purchase tickets, demonstrating the enduring appeal of literature across generations.
II. Intergenerational Transmission: From Family Stories to the Power of Social Love
Several authors shared their personal experiences of passing on traditions:
- Colombian author Fernando Fajolense: His father was a pioneer in public health in Colombia and was assassinated while dedicated to philanthropy. His new book, *We Will Eventually Be Forgotten*, centers around his father's story, extending the memory of his father to a broader sense of social love. He also noted that today it is often children who keep their parents connected, with him himself becoming "a child" to his own offspring.
- Canadian author Alexander: His father is a novelist familiar to Chinese readers (the author of *The Blood-Red Gift Lost in the Sea Breeze*). In his middle age, Alexander was consumed by the needs of both previous and future generations; he reminisces about the vibrant family life of his childhood—multiple generations living together, each with their own paths. This is what intergenerational relationships truly look like.
III. The Mission of Writers: To Make Works Timeless and Connect to the Future
Writers believe that "rebirth" means creating works that transcend the present and can be understood by future generations:
- Spanish author Sara Mesa: She cited three examples: Cervantes' *Don Quixote* is considered insignificant yet universally known; Kafka wanted to burn his manuscripts, but they are still read today; Dickinson published only ten poems in her lifetime, yet her work continues to touch people's hearts. Her mission is to write deeply about human nature so that readers 50 or 100 years from now can see themselves reflected in her words.
- British professor Lewis-Jones: He presented his new book, *The Writer's Map*, emphasizing that maps serve as carriers of cultural heritage between generations—old maps encourage discussions about "who created them? In what era?" and thus drive the world forward.
- Australian artist Dou Ke Feng: Speaking in Chinese, he discussed how "intergenerational transmission" involves translating ideas between languages (English and Chinese) to convey the essence of Chinese culture. His film *AWAY WITH WORDS* highlights the importance of breaking through language barriers through emotion and imagination.
IV. New Books and Cultural Exchanges: Foreign Authors Show Chinese Readers the World and Themselves
The book fair featured several notable new releases:
- Fernando Fajolense's *We Will Eventually Be Forgotten*: The film based on his father's story was selected for Cannes.
- Alexander's *Those Who Love Animals:* The cover features a traditional Chinese painting of a rabbit, exploring themes of desire and belief.
- Dou Ke Feng's collection of essays, *Crazy Enough:* Reflects on his connection with China.
- Vietnamese author Nguyen Khoi Ngan Viet's *A Multicolored Void:* Maintains the rhythm of the Vietnamese language while appealing to Chinese readers. Nguyen Khoi Ngan Viet also pointed out that language itself is a testament to intergenerational heritage; some words in Vietnamese have existed for centuries, and as a writer, he aims to convey these traditions through his work. The fact that foreign authors (Dou Ke Feng and Nguyen Khoi Ngan Viet) spoke in Chinese further illustrates the transformative power of cultural integration.
V. Literature as a Stabilizer in Turbulent Times
Professor Jin Wen noted that we are in a transition period from Generation Z to Generation Alpha, with rapid changes in large-scale models and geopolitics. However, literature provides a source of "lasting peace." Whether it is the rope that spans time and space, the stories of intergenerational transmission, or the works that transcend the present, literature acts as an anchor, allowing people of different ages and cultures to find common ground and maintain inner stability amidst change. This is one of the core values that the Shanghai Book Fair aims to convey.