Disappointing news just in.  Acclaimed China writer (and one of the highlights of this year's event) Peter Hessler has had to cancel his appearance at all three of this month's Lit Fests for personal reasons. Bummer.

Shanghai Festival-goers: If you've already bought a ticket, Mypiao is issuing refunds/exchanges which can be collected at their office or at the M on the Bund ticket office (note that the latter is open ONLY during Festival sessions).

Guess we'll have to settle for reading his new book, Country Driving, and hoping the man himself makes it back here before too long.