Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs Dr. Helena Kane Finn (center) with Güneli Gün (left) and Maureen Freely (right)

U.S. Consulate features Turkish-American Writers at Frankfurt Book Fair: On October 17, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs Dr. Helena Kane Finn introduced Turkish-American writer Güneli Gün and Maureen Freely, an American writer who grew up in Istanbul, to a diverse audience at the Literaturhaus Frankfurt. Turkey, the guest of honor of this year’s Book Fair, serves as inspiration to both writers, who look at the country from abroad, yet make it the center of their stories.  In addition to reading from their novels, both discussed the challenges of translating literature, since both have translated novels by Nobel Prize recipient Orhan Pamuk for the English-speaking world. On October 18th, the U.S. Consulate and Frankfurt's city library, the consulate's America@yourLibrary partner, teamed up with publishing house Wagenbach for a matinee reading by Daniel Alarcon who introduced his latest novel "Lost Radio City" to a crowded house.

Consul General Jo Ellen Powell attended the opening

Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig and his wife (center) along with Consul General Jo Ellen Powell (2nd from left) visit the U.S. Embassy booth.

ceremony of the Book Fair on October 14.  Speakers included Turkish President Gul, German Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Nobel Laureate for Literature Orhan Pamuk.  On October 16, she received a guided tour of the fair along with the U.S. Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission John M. Koenig and his wife.  The group was very impressed by the presentation in the Forum featuring Turkish writers and Turkish literature, admired the book art in Hall 4 and met with various German and American publishers. 

As in previous years, the Information Resource Centers of U.S. Mission Germany, Public Affairs, participated in the fair with a booth, highlighting publications and products for schools and libraries as well as specialized services for information professionals and academics. Visitors also had a chance to find out about the consulate's cultural events, exchange opportunities and latest visa regulations. 

The booth also helped celebrate this year's guest of honor by distributing information about the United States in the Turkish language, provided by the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul.

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The Frankfurt International Book Fair is the biggest trade fair for the international book and media industry.  It is the literary event of the year, and an important arena for cultural and political dialogue.  Thousands of eager readers, publishers and book traders gathered from October 14-19 2008, when the whole town revolved around the Fair.