Both in non-fiction, and in fiction via the characters, the storyline and the setting, literature can often be seen to be shining a vital spotlight on dark corners of society and illuminating pockets of social darkness. In this session, the invited writers will discuss this in relation to their own writing, and also talk about some other writers they have admired for their capacity to truly bare society’s soul. Joining the panel will be award-winning novelist and short story writer Chen Zaijian (China); British author Diana Evans; Dutch writer of fiction and non-fiction, Mineke Schipper; and award-winning author and literary journal editor Xu Dong (China).  In conversation with writer, editor and curator Zhang Hong.