The Past and Future of Jamaican Literature

This event is free but registration is still required.

Jamaican literature is as vibrant and rich as the island’s history. Join award winning Jamaican authors, Olive Senior (Paradise Once) and Marcia Douglas (The Jamaica Kollection of the Shante Dream Arkive) for a fireside chat exploring their latest works and the past and future of Jamaican literature. In Paradise Once, former Jamaican Poet Laureate Olive Senior, delves into the aftermath of a fictional massacre of the indigenous Taíno people by colonizing Spanish forces. In Marcia Douglas’ The Jamaica Kollection of the Shante Dream Arkive her characters search through history for something or someone lost to the island. In this intimate conversation, these acclaimed authors will discuss how their works fit into the storied canon of Jamaican literature.

The 2025 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 80 writers from over 35 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.

This venue is ADA compliant. The space is accessible via elevator.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at [email protected] by April 21st to request.

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]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway, New York, United States