Breaking the Novel

All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.

In the mid-20th Century, postmodernism stretched what the novel could do and the stories it could tell; works became self-referential, featured unreliable narrators, and questioned ideas of time and perspective. Exploring how style and form can break open reality, this panel brings together authors whose contemporary works reimagine the possibilities of the novel and reframe our understandings of how we live. How do formal innovations change the tenor of a story? Novelists Jenny Egan (The Candy House), Maurice Carlos Ruffin (American Daughters), and Geetanjali Shree (Tomb of Sand), come together with moderator and novelist Marie Myung-Ok Lee (Hurt You) to discuss reimagining the possibilities of the novel.

The 2024 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 100 writers from nearly 30 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

A street level accessible entrance is located on 12th street, and restrooms are located on the ground floor.

This event will feature ASL interpretation provided by All Hands In Motion

Please ask a Box Office Attendant or festival representative upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.

For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact [email protected]

While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to [email protected] for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.

We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact [email protected]

Host or Publisher PEN America