
Long Night of Swiss Literature
With Usama Al Shahmani, Nelio Biedermann, Vera Hohleiter, Melara Mvogdobo, Nora Osagiobare, Theres Roth-Hunkeler & Martin Zingg
This event will be held in German.
Join us for a sparkling kick-off to the literary season — a dazzling evening of fresh voices, powerful stories, and exciting new releases!
Acclaimed author Usama Al-Shahmani presents “A Silk Thread to Dreams” (Ein Seidenfaden zu den Träumen), a moving anthology of contemporary poetry he has edited. Nelio Biedermann's sweeping Hungarian family saga “Lázár”, already translated into 20 languages, promises to be one of the year’s major literary events. Vera Hohleiter’s thought-provoking debut novel follows a research team as they explore the link between resilience and brain activity in Buddhist monks, and end up confronting their own inner abysses.
Melara Mvogdobo surprises with a richly layered tale about two grandmothers: one a Swiss farmer, the other a wealthy Cameroonian woman. Nora Osagiobare’s sharp, satirical debut “Daily Soap” tackles everyday racism and privilege with wit and punch, resonating deeply with readers. In “Ladies' Tour” (Damentour), Therese Roth-Hunkeler offers a bold and honest portrayal of seven women navigating the complexities of aging. And Martin Zingg’s “Classical Worries” (Klassische Sorgen) collects two decades of poetry — intimate, reflective, and full of life’s quiet revelations.
Enjoy all this in a relaxed, open setting where you're welcome to eat, drink, and come and go as you please. Let yourself be inspired by bold new voices and captivating conversations.
A drink is included with your ticket — an evening to quench your thirst for words and wine!
Block I – 18:00-19:45
Martin Zingg | Theres Roth-Hunkeler | Melara Mvogdobo | Vera Hohleiter
Block II – 20:15-21:30
Nelio Biedermann | Usama Al Shahmani | Nora Osagiobare