We are overjoyed to welcome Shems Friedlander to this year’s Bradford Literature Festival, here to discuss his latest book, Winter Harvest, the long-awaited sequel to When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra, which is now considered a Sufi classic.

Friedlander has spent over 40 years in a Sufi order and now, in the winter of his life, has chosen to share the stories of his travel and experiences. He is a painter, photographer, designer, filmmaker and educator and has been frequently selected as one of the ‘500 Most Influential Muslims in the World’ in the field of Art and Culture. This is a unique opportunity to gain a rare insight into the passions and influences of an extraordinary man.

This event, hosted by journalist, Boyd Tonkin, will explore Friedlander’s life and works, from his love of Bob Dylan to becoming a world-renowned expert on Sufism and the poetry of Jalaluddin Rumi.

About The Speaker

Shems Friedlander

Shems Friedlander is a painter, photographer, author and is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the American University in Cairo. Friedlander has spent over 40 years in a Sufi order and is now sharing his stories and travels in the winter of his life.

About The Host

Boyd Tonkin

Boyd Tonkin is an award-winning journalist who currently writes on literature and culture for The Financial Times, The Economist, Newsweek and The Spectator. He was previously Literary Editor and then Senior Writer at The Independent, where he re-founded the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and judged the award for 15 years. He chaired the jury of the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, and now serves as the prize’s Special Adviser.