Heinz Strunk: Memories of Heidelberg

Bertram and Isolde, an older couple from Oldenburg, are treating themselves to a getaway in Heidelberg. They hope that this short vacation will not only be relaxing but will also help ease some of the tension in their long-standing marriage. But as soon as they arrive, it becomes clear that reality has little to do with their expectations: The expensive boutique hotel disappoints them, though they do discover an Italian restaurant that immediately appeals to them. It’s located on an old riverboat on the Neckar and promises at least a little atmosphere. Over the course of the week, however, the conflicts between the two escalate. Minor jibes turn into major arguments, and their time together becomes increasingly burdensome. Even their evening visits to the restaurant boat lose their initial charm and increasingly become a chore for both of them—one they can barely bear.

As their marriage slowly unravels, the mood of their entire stay also takes a turn for the worse. The romantic getaway they’d hoped for turns into an oppressive experience in which frustration and unspoken conflicts come to the surface. It all culminates in an escalation that pushes the couple to their limits and turns their stay in Heidelberg into a life-changing experience—accompanied by the recurring pop melody “Memories of Heidelberg.”

The writer, musician, and actorHeinz Strunkwas born in Bevensen in 1962. Since his first novel, “Fleisch ist mein Gemüse,” he has published 16 more books. “Der goldene Handschuh” remained on the bestseller list for months; the film adaptation was screened in the Berlinale competition. In 2016, the author was honored with the Wilhelm Raabe Literature Prize. His novels *Es ist immer so schön mit dir* and *Ein Sommer in Niendorf* were nominated for the German Book Prize. His most recent work, *Kein Geld Kein Glück Kein Sprit*, earned Strunk the Bremen Literature Prize.