The Wellesley College Newhouse Center for the Humanities is offering a series of five talks by authors this February and March.

Authors Lydia Davis (Feb. 1), Susan Straight and Marlon James (Feb. 15), Meir Shalev (March 1), Ha Jin (March15) and Caryl Phillips (March 29) will be featured speakers in the Distinguished Writers Series.

“With award-winning writers from China, Israel, the U.S., Jamaica and Great Britain, the series is nothing less than a celebration of how we’re all connected insome way,” says Colin Channer, Newhouse visiting professor in creative writing and curator of the series. “The intimate space in which the readings take place creates a cozy atmosphere. The love for books that the audience members bring with them generates a sense of warmth, as if they’re all gathered around a fire listening to meaningful stories being told.”

The events will consist of a reading followed by a conversation with Channer, including an open dialogue with the audience. All readings will take place at the Susan and Donald Newhouse Center for the Humanities, Green Hall, Wellesley College, on Tuesday afternoons at 4:30, and are free and open to the public.