Literary highlights in June

Authors Katja Brunner and Annina Haab reminisce about their former mentor, rummage through her papers together and read from them. This posthumously published book brings together texts spanning three decades. Some were published in various places, others are previously unpublished. The range extends from a fictional self-review of her debut work and a rejected text for an SP election campaign newspaper, through essays on psychiatry and literature or the art of packaging, to an atheist sermon.

4. June | Villa Grunholzer

In partnership with the Swiss Children’s and Young People’s Book Prize, the prize’s reading tour is once again stopping off at ‘Thalwil liest vor’.

Herschel is an old dog. His family has to say goodbye with a heavy heart. But then Herschel reappears, and as a playful ghost dog he brings comfort to the family. Thomas Meyer (author) and Magali Franov (illustrator) offer an insight into picture book creation and sensitively address the theme of saying goodbye with games on the subject of memory, drawing favourite animals and an interactive story. 

6 June | Pfisterareal Thalwil

What happens when all the letters and writings of our ancestors eventually become illegible to the human eye? What would become of their memories? Their stories? Would they die once again? Would they slowly fade away, taking with them all the knowledge and experience that could have continued to shine in the future? This topic is the focus of a practical course in reading and writing German cursive script. Using specific examples, participants will explore the characteristic forms and features of the script and decipher letters and other handwritten sources from the 17th to the early 20th century. You will also receive an overview of the history of German-language writing and printing. You are welcome to bring your own material, such as letters or documents.

9 June | Zurich Adult Education Centre

How can we connect with one another in a fragmented world – despite our differences, uncertainties and social tensions? The ‘Connectedness’ panel brings together voices from literature, journalism and activism. Together, the authors Ivna Žic, Geneva Moser, and Hannan Salamat discuss spaces for encounter, social divides and the possibility of rethinking connectedness. A conversation about what becomes visible when different experiences stand side by side – and what is lost when only the loudest voice is heard. Moderated by Marah Rikli, Director of the KIN Festival.

19 June | Karl der Grosse

And finally, a personal note. This year, I am representing Switzerland at the major double anniversary celebrations for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize in Klagenfurt. The novelist and poet would have turned 100 this year, and for the 50th time, a reading competition in her name will be broadcast on television. For those unfamiliar with it: perhaps something like ‘The Voice’, but for literature, with a little more white space.

Days of German-Language Literature, live on 3Sat from 24 to 28 June or via stream on ORF and Bachmannpreis.orf.at