Sibylle Berg
Will tomorrow be any better?
Sibylle Berg, born in 1962 in Weimar, is considered one of the most provocative voices in contemporary German-language literature. Since her debut in the 1990s, she has written novels, essays, and plays known for their sharp wit, socially critical perspective, and unmistakably laconic tone. Berg dissects the present and the spirit of the times with analytical clarity and dark humor – always in search of the cracks in the system.
In her new novel PNR: La Bella Vita, she turns her attention to the promise of the good life in a world shaped by self-optimization, constant digital overstimulation, and social coldness. With biting comedy and existential sharpness, Berg tells the story of characters searching for happiness – only to lose themselves in a thicket of expectations, illusions, and fears of decline.
*20:30 if the weather is nice
German
Organized by the bookstore Volkshaus
If the weather is bad or uncertain, the event will be held indoors in the White Hall of the Volkshaus Zürich (Stauffacherstrasse 60, 8004 Zurich).
Enjoy sandwiches, snacks and drinks at the festival bar. Open from 7 pm.
Treat yourself to a fine dinner before the event at Kaufleuten Restaurant, open from 6pm.
Each festival event comes with its own curated music playlist, inspired by the books, themes, and the unique atmosphere of the Old Botanical Garden.
Listen to this evening’s playlist → here.