Literary Evening
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Literary Evening at Ambassador's Residence Discusses Transformative Role of Literature
On November 5, 2009 Ambassador Garvey hosted a "Café Littéraire" at her residence to discuss the transformative role of literature in societies. The participants included Cameroonian writers, publishers, journalists, and literary critics. To set the tone of the debate, Prof. John Nkemngong Nkengasong, an Associate Professor of Literature at the University of Yaounde 1, himself a poet, playwright and novelist, and the current President of the Anglophone Cameroon Writers' Association, made an introductory presentation. Prof. Nkengasong is recently participated in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
The free and lively debate explored the role of literature in various societies, including Cameroon. Many participants noted the many challenges that hinder the development of literature in Cameroon, such as the lack of a culture of reading, the high cost of books, and the lack of support provided by the Cameroon government to the book industry and to libraries.
The participants applauded the Embassy for hosting the event and expressed a desire for the group to meet again. Books by Cameroonian writers were displayed at the event and all participants who attended the event received information prepared by the Embassy on American literature.