Two piles of books, two generations, two very different ways of looking at literature: in their WDR podcast Christine Westermann and Mona Ameziane talk about books that mean something to them – and about the questions they raise. It’s about good stories, but not just about plot, characters and style. It’s also about everyday life, memories, families, friendships, fashion, pain, comfort, arguments – in short, everything that suddenly lies on the table next to the book whilst reading.
Please note: The event will be held in German.
The appeal of the format lies in the fact that no pre-formed opinions are presented here. Westermann and Ameziane bring different reading experiences, temperaments and generational perspectives to the table. Sometimes they get carried away, sometimes they disagree; often this gives rise to the kind of conversation that literature needs: not reverent, not academically insular, but open, curious and direct. At the Harbour Front Literature Festival, the podcast becomes a live stage event. Live, in front of an audience, with recommendations, objections and digressions. Christine Westermann and Mona Ameziane demonstrate what books are capable of today when you don’t just read them alone, but discuss them together. The podcast is an invitation to go home after the event with a longer reading list…
For decades, Christine Westermann has been one of the defining voices in German literary outreach; as a presenter, journalist and podcaster, Mona Ameziane reaches an audience – a young audience – that sees books as part of contemporary life. In 2024, both were awarded the Julius Campe Prize for »Zwei Seiten«.
PERFORMERS
Christine Westermann talk
Mona Ameziane talk
