German Book Club: 'Lichtungen'

Join us for the next session of our book club to discuss (in German) the book Lichtungen by Iris Wolff. New members welcome!

ABOUT THE BOOK

In her exquisite new novel, Iris Wolff explores the enduring bond between Lev and Kato, two childhood friends whose lives are irrevocably shaped by the shifting borders of Europe. As the continent opens up, so too do their horizons, altering their relationship in profound and unexpected ways.

When eleven-year-old Lev is bedridden for weeks, it is Kato, the bright, solitary girl whom others avoid, who is tasked with delivering his homework. From this unlikely encounter, a deep and lasting friendship is born, offering both children a sense of belonging in the complex landscape of communist Romania. Years later, Lev remains rooted in the paths of their shared youth, while Kato has long since moved West. Her postcards from across Europe are all that connect them—until one arrives from Zurich bearing a single, poignant question: 'When are you coming?'

With poetic precision and emotional depth, Iris Wolff captures the moment when one life touches another, crafting a luminous portrait of friendship, memory and the quiet power of human connection. A work of exceptional grace and depth, this novel is a true gem of European storytelling.

Shortlisted for the German Book Prize 2024. Awarded the Uwe Johnson Prize.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Iris Wolff was born in Sibiu, Transylvania. She has received numerous awards for her literary work, including the Eichendorff Literature Prize, the Marieluise Fleißer Prize, the Marie Luise Kaschnitz Prize and the Solothurn Literature Prize for her entire oeuvre. Her latest novel, Lichtungen, published in 2024, was awarded the Uwe Johnson Prize and the Spycher: Literaturpreis Leuk, and was shortlisted for the German Book Prize. Iris Wolff lives in Freiburg im Breisgau.

Text source and picture credit: : Klett-Cotta Verlag

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Everyone who would like to read and discover German books and share their reading experience with others is welcome. The conversation will be in German. All participants should have sufficient language skills to read and discuss in German.

Participation is free of charge.

REGISTRATION

If you are not a regular member of the book club please register your interest by sending an email to library-glasgow@goethe.de. We will add you to our book club mailing list.

More information: Goethe-Institut Glasgow Book Club Page.