Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
By Maria Bregman, writer and literary critic In March 2025, Olympia London became a global hub for the literary community, and I was lucky enough to be swept up in its energy at London Book Fair 2025. This year’s fair, with over 1,000 companies and 30,000 visitors, felt like stepping into a ‘world library’, with publishers from dozens of countries showcasing a dazzling array of literary landscapes, from Azerbaijani poetry to Swiss graphic novels. The sheer diversity was striking, a testament to the global reach and enduring power of storytelling.
The opening day provided a fascinating insight into the key trends shaping the publishing industry. Hearing industry leaders such as James Daunt and David Shelley discuss transatlantic publishing trends provided valuable insights into navigating the evolving global landscape. Meeting Claudia Piñeiro, the International Author of the Day, was a highlight as she shared her creative journey and the power of literature to bridge cultures. The ‘AI and Copyright’ discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in the creative space, and the ‘How I Write’ session with authors Elif Shafak, Adele Parks and Bobby Palmer provided a welcome insight into the creative process.
The announcement of the Carnegie Medal shortlist and the Selfies Book Awards were particularly special moments. As a writer, it is incredibly inspiring to witness the celebration of literature and the recognition of both established and emerging talent.
Day two was particularly rich in personal discovery and cross-cultural exchange. Insights from legendary game designer Dan Houser on how his love of books influences his work and his vision for Absurd Ventures were incredibly inspiring. The Beijing International Book Fair’s presentation of Liu Zhenyun, one of China’s most celebrated authors, provided a valuable window into contemporary Chinese literature and its growing influence on the global stage. And the Author of the Day conversation with Monica Ali offered a heartfelt exploration of the influence of culture and identity on her work. A truly unique experience was the performance of Georgian writer and musician Manana Menabde, who fused literature, music and dance. The session “Burning Bridges? Reconsidering Collaborative Translation” sparked important conversations about the ethical and practical considerations of collaborative translation and the need to protect the rights of translators. The engaging panel discussion on the adaptation of Lucy Clarke’s THE CASTAWAYS into a successful series provided valuable insights into the world of book-to-screen adaptation.
The prestigious London Book Fair Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 ceremony attracted particular attention. This year’s award went to Gloria Bailey, MBE, Associate Director for Export Service at the Publishers Association, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the international book industry.
I left London Book Fair 2025 feeling invigorated and inspired. The Fair was a celebration of the power of stories to connect us, challenge us and transport us to other worlds. I left with a sense of optimism and renewed enthusiasm for the future of the book industry. The connections made, the ideas exchanged and the stories shared at LBF 2025 will undoubtedly shape the literary landscape for years to come.
