Colum McCann, one of the most prominent contemporary Irish-American writers, is coming to Celje, known for his lyrical and deeply humane narrative style, in which he interweaves real people and historical events with powerful literary stories. The author, born in Dublin and now living in New York, is also the co-founder of the international organization Narrative 4, which uses storytelling to promote dialogue and empathy.

The evening will focus on one of the key novels of recent years Apeirogon (2020), McCann's most high-profile work, shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The book is based on the true story of Israeli Rami Elhanan and Palestinian Bassam Aramin, fathers who, after the violent deaths of their daughters, reject hatred and choose a more challenging path - a path of dialogue, friendship and public witness for peace.

The novel is built from 1001 short fragments that return to their experience in a mosaic, while at the same time opening up a broader perspective on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, memory, history, and the ethics of storytelling. Title apeirogon – a geometric figure with an infinite number of sides – becomes a metaphor for countless perspectives of pain, loss, and humanity. With innovative narrative structure and documentary precision, McCann creates a space in which literature does not explain the world, but enables closeness where it seems impossible.

The evening will combine the reading of selected excerpts and a discussion about the transition between testimony and fiction, the ethical frameworks of telling true stories, and how literature can establish a space for encounter even in times of division and violence.

The discussion will be moderated by Jedrt Jež Furlan. The event will be interpreted into Slovenian, and a short reading interpretation of the excerpts will be prepared by Renato Jenček.