The Book Fair in Montreal continues from Friday until next Sunday in its forty-fifth edition at the Convention Center in downtown.

Nearly 2,000 creators represented by more than 600 publishing houses participate in the various activities of the fair. Approximately 3,000 sales and signing events, as well as interviews with authors and discussions, are scheduled to take place.

Radio Canada International visited the book fair coinciding with the organization of a discussion in the "Agora" space about the transition from journalistic writing to the novel, between the French-speaking journalist at "La Presse" newspaper, Rima Al-Khouri, and her colleague Natalie Collard. Rima Al-Khouri, born in Montreal to Syrian parents, spoke about her novel "Manam," which revolves around the Armenian genocide (a new window) and was published in 2021. For reference, Canada recognized this genocide in 2006.

For Rima Al-Khouri, the primary difference between journalistic writing and fiction lies in time management. She added that while writing this novel, she resorted to significantly condensing it. The source of this method may be her work as a journalist where "you have to simplify things," according to her.

Additionally, the Montreal Book Fair will welcome elementary and secondary school students for free during the mornings of the first three days of its forty-fifth edition, held from November 23 to 27, 2022.

During the first three days of this event, the Montreal Book Fair will allow elementary and secondary school students to visit the fair for free in the mornings if accompanied by their teachers.

The fair administration also plans to welcome 15,000 students this year. Teachers only need to book free tickets on the fair’s website for their classes. "The seat reservation process was very successful once we started selling tickets," the fair administration explained in a statement.

Also, according to one of the officials at the fair’s media office: "Booking groups can include up to 45 students, as we receive about 5,000 students daily." Group visits by students can last up to three hours.

It is noteworthy that the fair will provide a whole section for indigenous people to present their literary products, where they can express and discuss their content.