Deutscher Buchpreis 2020 - the Shortlist
The 2020 Deutscher Bookpreis shortlist has been announced! The winner will be revealed on October 12th.
In the meantime let us introduce you our nominees along with a brief comment from the jury.
Bov Bjerg, Serpentinen (Ullstein) - sold to Keller
A father takes his son to the places of his childhood. The fate of the male figures of the family, who took their own lives, is a constant companion. The author explores a father’s battle against the demons of the past, aware that the only possible solution is to love his son as he was not loved.
According to the jury, Serpentinen is a scoiological and at the same time literary tale, with every word in the right place, which manages to express the unspeakable.
Dorothee Elmiger, Aus der Zuckerfabrik (Hanser)
This book follows the trail of money and desire through the centuries and various areas of the world, showing us dreams and miseries, ecstasies and follies.
According to the jury, Dorothee Elminger proves that Europe does not know the whole truth about colonialism and export: like in a collage, each part of the book brings with it a piece of world history.
Thomas Hettche, Herzfaden (Kiepenheuer & Witsch)
A fascinating fairy tale for all ages through which Thomas Hettche reminds us of the power of fantasy, capable of illuminating even the darkest times, and the importance of art, to cope with times of crisis.
The giury appreciated the light and elegant way in which Herzfaden addresses the great themes of the present and the past.
Deniz Ohde, Streulicht (Suhrkamp)
Raised in the industrial suburb of Frankfurt, the protagonist lives with the constant feeling of being worth less that the others. She manages to redeem herself, but is forced to collide with her memories when she returns to her hometown for a wedding.
With Streulicht the author wrote a text about immigration, work, promises of equality that cannot be kept, without using cliches or accusing anyone.
Anne Weber, Annette. Ein Heldinnenepos (Matthes & Seitz)
Anne Weber tells the story of Anne Beaumanoir, a member of the the communist resistance, rescuer of two young Jews, a neuropsychologist in Marseille, who was sentenced to ten years for defending the Algerian independence movement…
Through this story the author asks us: What are we willing to sacrifice for our ideals? How far are we willinng to go?
Annette is also nominated for the Wilhelm-Raabe-Literaturpreis.
