Under the Weather

Book fairs held around the world are facing more than just administrative and organisational problems; Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano that has caused billions of dollars worth of losses to airline companies has more tragically caused low attendance at both the London Book fair as well as the one held in Beirut.

Discovering and inspiring a modern and fresher perspective on Arab literature, a book festival was held in Beirut from April 15 to 18. Yet even after the four-day literary exchange, writers and editors were detained within the city as a result of the volcano's activity and the resulting ash cloud. Though most authors who live in the Middle East departed, the Europe-based ones were forced to await the reopening of the airports.

The London Book Fair held from April 19 to 21, continued to offer a packed schedule of seminars and events despite predicted low attendance. Special arrangements were made for those unable to attend due to travel constraints; a range of seminars were provided by the organisers as podcasts to be downloaded free from the Fair's website.