The Man Literary Festival started in 2001 as a small get-together for writers and publishers within the region, but has now blossomed into a very jam-packed 10 days. Last yaear’s festival was a huge success with the launching of the Asian Literary Review and the presence of Nobel Laureate and famed author Seamus Heaney and winner of 2005’s Man Booker Prize, John Banville. This year we can expect to see many authors – some famous internationally, some regionally recognised – and topics covering everything from food to globalisation, history and children’s fiction.

The highlights of this year’s festival have to be Amy Tan and 2006 Man Booker prizewinner Kiran Desai, daughter of celebrated novelist Anita Desai. Desai will be the feature at two events, the first a lecture at HKU on March 12 on her award-winning novel, The Inheritance of Loss, and the second a more intimate gathering at The China Club, on March 13, discussing her writing, characters and life. The latter includes a champagne reception and a signed copy of her book.

Tan is officially appearing three times at the festival, the first alongside other Chinese women writers at a champagne brunch and discussion on the writers’ shared culture and heritage. That’s on March 18. The second is a talk at the Central Library on March 20 about her various works, including The Joy Luck Club which was made into a film, and the third is a champagne reception at The China Club on March 21 that includes a signed copy of her latest book, Saving Fish from Drowning.

"Why do writers write?
Because it isn't there."
-Thomas Berger

Looking to hear from a truly iconic author? Don’t miss the talk by Gore Vidal on March 12 at HKU. One of the most respected and recognised authors on politics, culture and history; the lecture is guaranteed to be an eye-opening experience.

For the food lovers, Madhur Jaffrey, famous actress and cookbook writer, will also be making three appearances, talking about her memoir, Climbing the Mango Trees, and cookbooks. Join her for a literary lunch at M on the Fringe on March 13, and later the same day to learn how to write about food.

Children’s authors will be out in full force from March 16 when Linda Sue Park, a Newbery award-winner, and Gail Carson Levine, author of many best-selling children’s books, explain how to be successful in children’s writing. Then on March 17, several international and local children’s authors, including Morris Gleitzman and Roseanne Thong, invite you to explore the magical worlds of authors over tea at the Disney theme park. And something else to be excited about – Julia Donaldson, author of the beloved The Gruffalo, will read from some of her works in an event open to children on March 18, and Morris Gleitzman will be speaking about his books and inspirations later in the day.

If the practicalities of the writer’s craft entice you, feel free to join any of the word-craft workshops, including those on historical fiction, poetry and travel to name just a few. If fiction takes your fancy, a master class with Romesh Gunesekera can teach you what you need to know to conjure up a good novel. His Serendipity Workshop has been run in various cities around the globe to very good reviews.

No literary festival in Hong Kong would be complete without a dip into Chinese culture, history and heritage. On March 13, three authors, Xu Xi, Susanna Hoe and Peter Moss, discuss events before, after and during the Handover. Sun Shuyun looks at the Long March, and its myths on March 17, while Shih Shu-ching and Guo Xiaolu delve into their novels and experiences on March 18.

These are just snippets from The Man Literary Festival; for more information on programmes, dates, times and prices check the festival’s website www.festival.org.hk.