‘One sheds one’s sicknesses in books,’ wrote D.H. Lawrence, and in recent years there’s been a growing interest in the links between reading and writing on the one hand and physical and mental well-being on the other.

In the UK, there are now paid bibliotherapists, and in some clinics and surgeries a recommended reading list is offered to patients suffering from depression, say, or even breast cancer.

So is there a direct link between literature and health? Can books make us feel better? If so, how does the process work? Tragedy and darkness are often said to be cathartic – or might humour be a better purgative, if only as distraction from one’s aches and pains?

The 2011 seminar will aim to explore such questions in the light of a growing body of literature – fiction, poetry and memoir – in which physical and mental health form a central theme.

We’ll also discuss the health of our literary and political culture. Is Britain the sick man of Europe – broken, isolated, morally corrupt – or a thriving postmodern society? And what about the wider ecosystem we’re part of - can writers do anything to protect it?
 
Our Walberberg Seminar on Contemporary Literature promotes the UK’s creative ideas and literary achievements and develops creative partnerships between the cultural and other sectors in Europe.

It has influenced debate and information on contemporary literature since its inception in 1986.

The seminar brings together an impressive group of contemporary British writers and offers contexts and platforms for European academics, publishers, translators, journalists and creative professionals with cross-sectoral background to engage in multilateral debate on cultural diversity.

It offers participants a lively literary experience with a concentrated mix of readings, talks, performances, panel discussions and creative writing workshops and provides the opportunity to talk directly with the writers about their work.

Many people who have attended the seminar have described it as a unique and intimate literary event where they were introduced to a network of like-minded people.

Blake Morrison has once again agreed to chair the event. Participating writers include Jen Hadfield, Nell Leyshon, Tim Parks, Martin Rowson, Helen Walsh and AL Kennedy as special guest.

As in 2010 the forthcoming Walberberg Seminar takes place in our conference venue at the Akademie Schmöckwitz, near Schönefeld airport, on the green outskirts of Berlin.

The seminar lasts from Thursday evening until Sunday morning. The residential setting encourages stimulating and intense discussions in both formal and informal settings.

For further information please contact

Marijke Brouwer
British Council
10178 Berlin
T 030 - 31 10 99 56
E-mail marijke.brouwer@britishcouncil.de