Leonie Swann - Harbour Front Literaturfestival

Reading and Discussion with Julia Kemp
followed by the film “Glennkill: A Sheep Mystery”

Leonie Swann is coming to Hamburg with her latest novel, “Widdersehen”! And indeed, “Widdersehen” is a reunion: a reunion with Leonie Swann, who once made her breakthrough with her debut “Glennkill: A Sheep Mystery.” The twist: Here, the animals themselves are the narrators! With “Widdersehen,” Leonie Swann returns to the tone of her debut and presents another animal mystery: When shepherdess Rebecca suddenly cuts short her trip to Europe and leads Miss Maple’s flock back to their home pasture in Ireland, the sheep are initially as optimistic as spring lambs. After all, where could it be more beautiful than on their home pasture? But the pasture is no longer what it used to be: strange sheep have eaten all their favorite herbs, and Rebecca disappears without a trace. All that’s left behind is a single finger and a mysterious letter that no one can read aloud. The sheep fear the worst. They launch their own investigation—and find themselves caught up in a family drama that proves once again: anything can be overcome—you just need enough determination!

The event will be followed by a screening of the film “Glennkill: A Sheep Mystery.” The film is based on Leonie Swann’s novel of the same name; in the German version, Anke Engelke and Bastian Pastewka lend their voices to two sheep. Thus, the reading also offers a glimpse into the adaptation of a global literary success for the big screen: What remains of Miss Maple and her flock on the silver screen?

Leonie Swann, born in 1975 near Munich, studied philosophy, psychology, and English literature in Munich and Berlin. Her debut novel, “Glennkill,” became an international bestseller and was awarded the Friedrich Glauser Prize. She lives in Berlin.