For a century, PEN (Poets, Essayists, Novelists) has brought together writers to celebrate and share literature and to defend those who write. PEN has laid the foundation for a global community of writers who seek out facts, celebrate the creative imagination and champion freedom of expression.

PEN Journeys: Memoir of Literature on the Line reflects a time when the world was opening up—the Berlin Wall fell; the Soviet Union broke apart; democracies were ascendant around the globe—and PEN, the world’s oldest writers and human rights organization, was often at the forefront. In many countries writers like Václav Havel led the way as they were released from prison.

The year 2021 marked the centenary of PEN International and English PEN, and 2022 marks the centenary of PEN America, PEN France and many other PEN centers in over 100 countries around the world.

The Dark Path to the River