This conversation brings together Rodrigo Fresán (Argentina), winner of the 2025 Republic of Consciousness Prize (U.S. & Canada) for Melvill (Open Letter Books), and Mark Haber (United States), shortlisted for the same award with Lesser Ruins (Coffee House Press). The Republic of Consciousness Prize celebrates exceptional literary fiction from small independent presses. Moderated by Lori Feathers, co-owner of Interabang Books and founding chair of the prize’s U.S. & Canada chapter, the discussion will highlight the authors’ work, the role of translation, and the importance of independent publishing in bringing ambitious, boundary-pushing fiction to readers across languages and cultures.

 

Presented by: HAY FESTIVAL 2025