Reading
Norbert Gstrein reads "In the First Light"
On the shortlist for the Leipzig Book Fair Prize
Two world wars, a century: a quirky life full of beauty, tragedy, and contradictions. Norbert Gstrein's overwhelming new novel - nominated for the Leipzig Book Fair Prize 2026.
Norbert Gstrein gives us an entire human life. In this novel, every life is fragile, beginning with an ax blow: Adrian's father makes him unfit for the First World War as a teenager, perhaps saving him. The stubborn, tender person who limps through over eighty years of life is the wonder of this narrative. Adrian witnesses his world collapse twice, interacts twice with young men who were less fortunate than he, and experiences in old age the unexpected love story of a man who was raised to do everything but love. How do we live in the shadow of wars and killing? With a fearless look into the past, "In the First Light" confronts this great question of the present.
Admission:
Advance sale: €13.00
Box office: €16.00
Target audience:
For adults
