August 26, 2009

Ian Rankin chooses Vancouver for North American launch of new novel

(August 26, 2009, Vancouver, BC)—The Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival and publisher McArthur & Co. are bringing celebrated U.K. crime novelist Ian Rankin to Vancouver for the North American launch of The Complaints.

Rankin, known to millions of readers worldwide as the creator of 17 best-selling novels over 20 years featuring Detective Inspector Rebus, has created a new character since he retired Rebus in 2007. Rankin will introduce Vancouver-area readers to his character Malcolm Fox on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 pm at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church, Burrard at Nelson.

The long-awaited new character is, according to Rankin, “in his early-forties and doesn’t drink. Yes, that’s right, he doesn’t drink. He really doesn’t. Not a drop. (The research, needless to say, was hell…).” Rankin fans and new readers alike will be able to hear how this new character was created and is likely to evolve, as well as enjoy the humour and wit that Rankin is known for. The Complaints will be published in Canada September 4.

The mid-September event is one of three special events that will take place outside the week-long Writers Festival in October. Margaret Atwood will present her new novel The Year of the Flood on Oct. 1, with a theatrical performance accompanied by actors and singers bringing the book to life. On Nov. 1, following the Festival week, David Sedaris will bring his inimitable thoughts to life with his new book When You Are Engulfed in Flames, as well as never before published stories.

During the week of Oct. 18 to 25, the Writers Festival is bringing to Vancouver some of biggest names in fiction writing. More than 80 authors, from Canada, the US, the UK, Italy, France, Australia, Bolivia and China will join thousands of readers at the annual festival in October on Granville Island. John Irving, Audrey Niffenegger, Sarah Waters, the Poet Laureate of the UK Carol Ann Duffy, Alice Munro, Richard Ford, Alistair MacLeod, Marie-Claire Blais, Kathy Reichs, Lorrie Moore, Michael Crummey, Douglas Coupland, Bonnie Burnard, Karen Connolly and Peter Mansbridge and many more are all part of this year’s lineup.

Tickets for the Ian Rankin evening go on sale today for $25 adults / $20 students and seniors through VancouverTix by calling 604-629-VTIX (604-629-8849).

Tickets for the Writers Festival week will be available Friday, Sept. 11, through Vancouver Tix. Tickets will also be available at the Writers Festival box office, 1398 Cartwright Street. Complete program details are available at www.writersfest.bc.ca.

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For more information on the Festival -- or a hi-res jpeg hedshot of Ian Rankin -- contact:
Judith Walker, Media Relations Manager – (604) 921-4029
media@writersfest.bc.ca
Vancouver International Writers Festival – October 18-25, 2009
www.writersfest.bc.ca