VS Naipaul’s absence has cost this parliament credibility
I had to mention the VS Naipaul Islam row in my address to the European Writers’ Parliament, even though others seem to be shying away from politics
by Hari Kunzru | 25 November 2010
I had to mention the VS Naipaul Islam row in my address to the European Writers’ Parliament, even though others seem to be shying away from politics
I’m writing from the first commission session of the European Writers’ Parliament in Istanbul, while one of my colleagues expounds on his relationship to the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. When I was first invited, my imagination conjured a series of occupation-specific European institutions - a doctor’s parliament, a parliament for firemen, for painters … Sadly, it seems we’re the only such institution in existence. The EWP was started on the initiative of José Saramago and Orhan Pamuk, as a way for writers to come together and discuss our shared problems and concerns. Or talk about ourselves. One or the other. Which of the two paths we will choose remains in doubt right now. I’m hoping we manage to get down to business.
