A veritable United Nations of world literature will convene next week in New York City for the 7th annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature. Hundreds of writers from more than three dozen nations will meet in NYC to celebrate the power and vitality of the written word. Running from April 25th through May 1st, the Festival includes events at “hubs” throughout the city.

Highlights of the Festival include the PEN Speakeasy: Erotic Readings with Irvine Welsh, Yael Hedaya and more; How to Start a Revolution (in the Library); the Freedom to Write Lecture with Wole Soyinka and a Literary Safari. There will also be a “pop-up bookstore” at the Festival HQ in the Standard Hotel throughout the week offering world lit titles. Some events require ticket purchases, but at least 50 are free.