31.10. Dora Kaprálová, 5:30 p.m.

Translated from Czech by Nataša von Kopp.

The narrator travels to the Slovenian city of Maribor to write a travel guide, but decides instead to explore the city from the perspective of a fly. Contemporary figures such as the guitarist Jim, the American court jester Timo, and the 80-year-old hostess Daša—who views Putin as a savior—appear alongside historical figures from the 20th century, notably Josip Broz Tito, the writer Hašek, and the playwright Wedekind. The kaleidoscopic perspective from an insect’s point of view enables an original narrative style in which fact and fiction intertwine, creating a hypnotic effect.
A novel about the Balkans and Europe, as well as about a little-noticed city beneath which the Drava flows darkly, and a reflection on magic, power, and the force of illusion.

Moderation: Frieda Ahrens

Admission

The event will be held in German.