Up-Ending Narratives

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

With his new work, You Dream of Empires, Álvaro Enrigue turns the historical novel upside down and inside-out, adding a dose of hallucinogens to the morning in 1519, when the conquistador Hernán Cortés enters Tenochititlan (present-day Mexico City) to meet Moctezuma. In his new novel, James, Percival Everett rewrites Mark Twain’s notorious novel to let us hear the enslaved Jim’s point of view, finally giving “one of the noblest characters in American literature a novel worthy of him.” Both of these retellings offer remarkable revelations; funny and horrifying meditations on history real and imagined; as well as characters we think we know—shown in a radically new light.

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.

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

The Preserve LA, 1370 North Saint Andrews Place, Los Angeles, United States