CONVERSATION | Reading Across Generations and Cultures

Speaker: Ann Morgan and Jennie Orchard

Date: March 8, Sun

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Venue: Fringe Club - Fringe Dairy

Address: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong

Price: HKD228

Language: English

Format: Conversation

Description: What connects a reader in London, Lagos, or Lahore—and how do the stories we share shape the readers and writers of tomorrow? Join Ann Morgan, author of Reading the World, and Jennie Orchard, editor of The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation, for a lively and thought‑provoking conversation about the transformative power of books. Together, they’ll explore why we read, what we choose to read, and how stories open doors across generations, languages, and cultures.
This event brings two passionate literary advocates into dialogue about the value of curiosity, empathy, and cultural exchange through reading. Both authors will share short readings from their work, reflecting on the joy and responsibility of connecting with voices beyond our own borders.
As part of the session, audience members are invited to join in a participatory moment: write down the title of a book that changed how you see the world and hang it on our "literary tree"—a growing celebration of stories that have shaped us. Come to be inspired, discover new perspectives, and celebrate the enduring gift of reading in a global age.

About the Speaker:

Ann Morgan

Ann Morgan is an author based in Folkestone, UK. In 2012, she read a book from every country in a year, recording her quest at ayearofreadingtheworld.com. This led to her non-fiction book Reading the World. Ann continues to blog, write and speak about international literature. Her debut novel was the international bestseller Beside Myself. Her second is Crossing Over. Her next non-fiction book, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not-Knowing, was published in October 2025.

Jennie Orchard

Jennie Orchard has been involved with the world of books and publishing for more than four decades, initially in London, later in Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong. Since 2002, she has been actively involved in the non-profit sector, with a particular focus on Room to Read, and more recently, U-GO, both founded by John Wood. Jennie has curated two anthologies, The Gifts of Reading (2020) and The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation (2025), inspired by Robert Macfarlane, with essays by authors including William Boyd, Colum McCann, Ann Morgan, Michael Morpurgo, and Madeleine Thien.

*This event is presented in partnership with Croucher Science Week, a free festival exploring science and the world around us. Visit to find out more.

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Purchase 3 tickets to any events under HKILF 2026 and claim a complimentary seat at one of these exciting talks at Central Library:

•⁠ 3rd March (Tue): On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters (7:00-8:30pm)

⁠•⁠ 4th March (Wed): I Deliver Parcels in Beijing (7:00-8:30pm)

•⁠ ⁠5th March (Thu): Amitav Ghosh: Ghost-Eye (7:00-8:30pm)

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ABOUT HKILF

The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) inspires the joy of reading by bringing the world’s writers and stories to Hong Kong’s diverse communities. A dynamic year-round programme and an annual festival offer dialogue, entertainment and perspective, while the Young Readers Festival (YRF) motivates students to engage with all aspects of the written word, improving communication skills, while nurturing the art of writing and storytelling.

The annual festival features established and emerging writers from around the world, alongside local literary talents, in a programme that includes panel discussions, book talks, readings, workshops, walks, school programmes, performances, and more.

We are a registered charity non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the best in the literary arts to Hong Kong. To find more, please visit our official website: https://www.festival.org.hk.

Please note that:

*We are unable to process refunds, please consider your ticket purchase a donation to the festival.

*Photos and videos of participants may be taken during the activities,which may be used by the organiser and the major sponsor for educational and promotional purposes in any way deemed appropriate, including disseminationthrough printed and online channels. Participation in the programme will constitute the participants’ consent to the above arrangement.

*The views and opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hong Kong International Literary Festival. HKILF disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared by the speakers.

*If the Black Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8 or above is in force 3 hours before the start time of an event, the event will be cancelled and participants will receive a refund. If the Red or Yellow Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 is in effect, the event will be held as scheduled.

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