Freedom to write, freedom to read
Chapter x English PEN
If you’ve been part of Chapter for a while, you’ll know that what interests me most about books isn’t just the reading itself. It’s the conversations they spark, the perspectives they open us up to, and the way literature can help us better understand both ourselves and the world around us.
Some of you may have noticed that Chapter has been partnering with English PEN over the past few months, and it felt like the right moment to properly introduce them to the community.
English PEN is one of the world’s oldest literary and human rights organisations. They champion something that feels increasingly important, the freedom to write and the freedom to read.
At a time when writers, journalists and artists around the world continue to face censorship, persecution and threats simply for expressing themselves, English PEN works to defend and support those whose voices are being silenced. They campaign for freedom of expression, advocate for writers at risk, and work to protect fundamental rights both in the UK and internationally.
But what I love most about their work is that it isn’t only about defending literature, it’s about believing in its power.
English PEN understands that stories shape how we see the world. They champion underrepresented voices, support literature in translation, and help bring a wider range of perspectives to readers. As someone who is constantly encouraging Chapter members to read beyond their usual horizons, and as a great lover of translated fiction myself, this is a part of their work that particularly resonates with me. Through grants, events, campaigns and their brilliant online magazine, they create opportunities for important stories to be shared and heard.
As Chapter has grown, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about the role literature can play in fostering empathy, curiosity and connection. Those values sit at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s reading the same book together each month, gathering for an author conversation, or sharing a reading experience with one another.
I’ll be sharing more about their work and some of the ways you can get involved if you’d like to. In the meantime, I’d encourage you to have a look at what they do. Their events, campaigns and literary initiatives are genuinely inspiring, and I think many of you will find them as interesting as I do.
If you’d like to explore their work further, you can:
Follow English PEN on Instagram: @englishpen_
Follow English PEN on TikTok: @englishpen_
Read their online magazine, PEN Transmissions
Support their work through a donation or by becoming a member
I’m delighted that Chapter is part of their wider community of readers, writers and literary advocates.
Love,
Tanya xx