November 1, 2011 - November 30, 2011
We plan on comprehensive coverage – not quite the A-Z of German
literature in our badge – but certainly literature from the 18th century
onwards! In order to do this, we have structured the month thematically
and will include two readalongs with lots of giveaways that generous
publishers like And Other Stories, Bitter Lemon Press, Melville House,
One World Classics, Pereine Press and Portobello Books have kindly
contributed.
Readalongs
Readalongs
My readalong choice is Theodor Fontane’s Effi Briest. I would take Effi to that proverbial desert island. Most people have read Madame Bovary or Anna Karenina,
but not many are acquainted with Effi. I hope you’ll consider joining
Caroline and me as we read and discuss Effi over the course of three
weeks. The readalong starts on Saturday 5th November (chapters 1-15),
continuing on the 12th (Chapters 16-24), finishing on the 19th (chapters
25-36).
Caroline has chosen a book by her favourite German author, Heinrich Böll. The Silent Angel readalong coincides with her monthly Literature and War schedule. It’s not a Böll I have read before and I’m looking forward to Caroline revealing why it is unique! We’ll discuss The Silent Angel on Saturday the 26th.
Weekly Themes
Week 1 (Nov 1 -7) German Literature
Maybe you like Thomas Mann or you are a fan of Genazino. Perhaps you prefer contemporary German literature. Erpenbeck or Kehlmann perhaps? Who is your favourite German author? Now’s the time to share with us.
Week 2 (Nov 8-14) Crime Fiction
There are a lot of German crime novels. Whether you like it gritty or prefer psychological suspense, you are sure to find something to suit.
Week 3 (Nov 15 – 21) From Austria and Switzerland
You could read some of the 19th century Swiss classics like Gotthelf,
Keller or Meyer or finally read those Roths and Zweigs that have been
sitting in your TBR for years.Maybe you like Thomas Mann or you are a fan of Genazino. Perhaps you prefer contemporary German literature. Erpenbeck or Kehlmann perhaps? Who is your favourite German author? Now’s the time to share with us.
Week 2 (Nov 8-14) Crime Fiction
There are a lot of German crime novels. Whether you like it gritty or prefer psychological suspense, you are sure to find something to suit.
Week 3 (Nov 15 – 21) From Austria and Switzerland
Week 4 (Nov 22-28) Kleist and Other German Classics
November 21 marks the bicentennial of Kleist’s death. We will read some of his novellas and I may read a play (something I haven’t done since university). This is also the time to (re-)acquaint ourselves with other German classics – Goethe anyone?
Week 5 (Nov 29-30) Read As You Please and Wrap UpNovember 21 marks the bicentennial of Kleist’s death. We will read some of his novellas and I may read a play (something I haven’t done since university). This is also the time to (re-)acquaint ourselves with other German classics – Goethe anyone?
Here’s your chance to read and review whatever you like.
Giveaways
Just so you have no excuse
To encourage you to join in, we are going to start the Wednesdays-are-wunderbar giveaways in October. This will allow us to get the books to the winners in plenty of time for November.
Just look at some of the amazing titles we have to share. I tell you, I’m not easily moved but the largesse of the publishers brought tears to my eyes this week. They are obviously as passionate about German literature as Caroline and myself. We hope some of that will have rubbed off on you by the time November is through. Will you join us?
For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.
