“Every now and then,” wrote A.S. Byatt, “a writer changes the whole map of literature inside my head.” The work of Icelandic writer Sjón, Byatt continues, “is unlike anything I had read.” When Vancouver Writers Fest Artistic Director Hal Wake read more glowing endorsements by such eminent authors as David Mitchell and Junot Díaz, he knew that Sjón should be at the Festival. Sjón has published eight novels, as well as poetry and plays. He writes lyrics for the singer Björk, with whom he has collaborated since they were both teens. Three of his novels are now available in English, and they reveal a potent combination of myth, magic, religion and science that will keep you thinking well into the night.