Sometimes desperately sought, sometimes heartbreakingly found, always inevitable, conclusions in our lives are as varied as they are omnipresent. From the end of life or relationships, to finding answers about why we’re on this planet, John Freeman’s latest anthology explores Conclusions in all their forms. This year, the tables turn and the editor will be interviewed about this latest release in the series, by issue contributor, friend, and award-winning author and journalist Omar El Akkad (American War, What Strange Paradise). They’ll be joined by lauded novelist and Conclusions contributor Tania James (Loot), to delve into world endings in life and literature. Freeman’s is a highlight on the Writers Fest calendar for our regulars; always thought-provoking, exquisitely literary, and deeply human. Hosted by Omar El Akkad.

Event Participants:

Omar El Akkad

OMAR EL AKKAD’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, and many other publications. His debut novel, American War, is an international bestseller and has been translated into thirteen languages. His second novel, What Strange Paradise, won the Giller Prize. He was the 2022 VWF Guest Curator.

John Freeman

JOHN FREEMAN is the founder of the literary annual Freeman’s, the latest and final issue of which is themed to conclusions. The author and editor of twelve books, he lives in New York City. His latest is Wind, Trees, a collection of poems.

Tania James

TANIA JAMES is the author of the novels The Tusk That Did the Damage and Atlas of Unknowns and the short story collection Aerogrammes. Her fiction has appeared in Boston Review, Granta, Guernica, One Story, A Public Space, and The Kenyon Review. She lives in Washington, D.C.