In the organizer's words:

Siri Hustvedt presents her new book "Ghost Stories"!

Siri Hustvedt reflects on 43 years of shared history in her new book. After her husband, the author Paul Auster, died of cancer in May 2024, the literary world was deeply shaken. In her own grief, the great American writer began writing just a few days after his death. In her book of mourning, remembrance and love, she approaches the impossible desire to bring Paul back to life. By immersing herself in their lives, in the community of the legendary Brooklyn writing couple, she combines their pain and the consolation of lived moments into an unprecedentedly emotional unity.

He wanted to become a ghost, Paul said before his death. In "Ghost Stories - Ein Buch der Erinnerung" (Rowohlt; translation: Uli Aumüller and Grete Osterwald), his presence floats through the words, carried by cigarillos, first love letters and his own works. This includes Auster's last book project, consisting of letters to his grandson Miles, who was born a few months before his death.

When Siri Hustvedt talks about Paul Auster, she raises big questions about love and memory that affect everyone - and transforms a great grief into an even greater love.

Moderator: Jan Ehlert (NDR Kultur)
German reading: Oda Thormeyer

Price information:

€ 28,-/20,-/price for the rear rows of seats 15,-