Kerstin Preiwuß Book Reading (October 14th 2022)

German author Kerstin Preiwuß read from her most recent novel, "Nach Onkalo", in a hybrid event hosted by the Auckland Goethe Society.

Primarily being a poet, her language forms powerful characters and settings.

Matuschek, the novel's main protagonist, was 40 when his mother died. Now, living alone in a big house in the nothingness of Germany's northeast, he doesn't know what to do with his time. No spouse and people leave this area when they can. But he stays; he is one of the few inhabitants of the backland that is forgotten and given up.

"Nach Onkalo" is a novel that evolves slowly and adds an impressive insight into the hearts and souls of communities that seemingly stay behind and seem to be forgotten by the rest of the country.

The unique characters and Kerstin's guidance through her novel capture the audience quickly. It was a fantastic opportunity to deal with a part of contemporary German society not often talked about.

Written by Mareike Schmidt