Join author Evald Flisar in conversation with Susan Curtis of Istros Books as he discusses his most recently published book in English, My Kingdom is Dying. Both Evald and Susan will also be taking part in the London Book Fair 2025, with Istros Books and Sodobnost International Cultural Society (KUD Sodobnost).

Evald and Susan will discuss My Kingdom is Dying, before taking audience questions, followed by a book signing. Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the night.

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Istros Books was set up in 2011 in order to publish and promote literature in translation from Central and South Eastern Europe. In its short history, it has managed to prove itself at the forefront of discovering and promoting exciting new works, ranging from essays and flash fiction to historical novels. They are proud to continue their commitment to bringing fresh and exciting works in English translation, and to develop their cross-border publishing partnerships.

Evald Flisar, born in 1945 in Slovenia, then still part of Yugoslavia, is an iconic figure of contemporary Slovenian literature. Novelist, playwright, essayist, editor, globe-trotter (travelled in 98 countries), underground train driver in Sydney, Australia, editor of (among other publications) an encyclopaedia of science and invention in London, author of short stories and radio plays for the BBC, president of the Slovene Writers’ Association (1995 – 2002), since 1998 editor of the oldest Slovenian literary journal Sodobnost (Contemporary Review), he is also the author of 16 novels (eleven of them shortlisted for Kresnik award, known as the Slovenian “Booker”), two collections of short stories, three travelogues, two books for children (both nominated for major awards) and 15 stage plays (eight nominated for Best Play of the Year Award, three times won the award). Winner of Prešeren Foundation Prize, the highest state award for prose and drama, and the prestigious Župančič Award for lifetime achievement. He is the most translated Slovenian author alive today, and will be celebrating his 80th birthday upon the publication of My Kingdom is Dying in its UK edition.

My Kingdom Is Dying: When the main character, a successful writer, experiences writer’s block, he withdraws from his malign fate to Berghof, a Swiss clinic. A number of famous names in world literature are already receiving treatment there, from Martin Amis, Graham Greene and Saul Bellow to J. M. Coetzee. But is Berghof really what it purports to be? And what role does the ever-silent figure of Scheherazade play in the novel? My Kingdom is Dying is not just a hybrid of the genres of confession - detective story, memoir and fictional biography - but also a unique combination of fiction and metafiction, literature and meta-literary reflection. Readers follow a gripping story in which unusual events unobtrusively mingle with meaningful reflection and deep insights.

A special thank you to the Slovenian Book Agency (JAK), who have made Evald's visit to the U.K. possible.