Book Premieres at the 24th ilb

Portraits Rachel Cusk, Szczepan Twardoch, Mithu Sanyal
v.l.n.r.: Rachel Cusk © Suhrkamp Verlag, Szczepan Twardoch © Jacek Poremba, Mithu Sanyal © Carolin Windel

This September, the international literature festival berlin once again offers first-class literature from many parts of the world and inspiring titles for your reading list. Numerous book premieres are featured at this year’s festival.

What to expect at a book premiere? In the special festival setting, authors read from their texts for the first time. They talk with experienced moderators about their books, reveal how they develop a story, and unpack topics that drive their interests. Actors – including well-known voices such as Angela Winkler and Ulrich Matthes – read from German translations. The events usually last about an hour. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to get your copy signed and meet authors in person.

Here are some of the premieres you don’t want to miss this year:

  • Szczepan Twardoch: On opening night, the celebrated author of »The King of Warsaw« presents his new historical novel »Chołod« for the first time in Berlin. The book powerfully relates the story of a former Russian revolutionary’s escape to the North from a gulag while demonstrating Russia’s sustained imperialist ambitions.
  • Olivia Laing und Daniel Schreiber: On this evening two authors share the stage who are both known for their profound writing about addiction, loneliness, art, and gardens.. Audiences can experience Laing talking about her new book »The Garden Against Time«, which does not appear in German until next year.
  • Mithu Sanyal: Following the success of »Identitti,« she returns with »Antichristie,« a novel that tells the story of an Agatha Christie remake and takes a self-deprecating look at post-colonial issues.
  • Rachel Cusk: A master of autofiction, Cusk celebrates the German premiere of her new novel »Parade,« in which she examines the art world in her typically precise and observant style.
  • Elif Shafak: The Turkish-British author shares a magnificent new novel taking us from Victorian London to the Yazidis in modern-day Turkey.
  • Paul Lynch: The current Booker Prize winner from Ireland presents his dystopian novel »Prophet Song,« which paints a gloomy vision of Ireland’s future – a gripping read. .

Join us at the festival and enjoy this chance to gather new ideas, discover outstanding poetry and prose, and meet other literature enthusiasts. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing unique literary experiences.