The 15th edition of Guinea's "72 Hours of the Book" festival unfolded in venues across the capital Conakry, bringing together a wide array of writers, publishers, and readers from the West African country and across the continent. "We Guinean authors have mobilized strongly to come together and promote this event," Conakry-based author Bademba Barry said between bouts of signing copies of his works. Despite its low literacy rate, Guinea boasts a rich literary heritage and more than a dozen publishing houses. But Conakry's arena transformed into a haven this week for readers clamouring to meet their favourite local authors, writers seeking to expand their audiences, and budding creators who took part in workshops. Reporting by Souleymane Camara; Writing by Cooper Inveen; Editing by Toby ChopraOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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