Thomas Gunkel liest Stewart O´Nan: Abendlied (Literaturtage Recklinghausen 2026)

Reading with Thomas Gunkel: Stewart O’Nan, *Evening Song*

Four women, a choir, countless life stories: Stewart O’Nan’s novel *Evening Song* centers on Emily, Arlene, Kitzi, and Susie—friends who support one another through the challenges of growing older.

Together, they organize hospital visits, meet for bridge, and get involved in the “Humpty Dumpty Club,” a self-help initiative by and for older women. Amid family crises, health concerns, new opportunities, and old memories, they demonstrate humor, solidarity, and a zest for life. Susie, in particular, rediscovers the possibility of new love after her divorce.

With great warmth and a keen eye for the everyday, Stewart O’Nan tells a story of friendship, loss, care, and the small moments that shape a life. In *Evening Song*, the widely acclaimed author builds on his novels *Emily, Alone* and *Henry, Personal*, transforming seemingly unspectacular events into moving literature.

Translator Thomas Gunkel, who has been bringing important voices of English-language literature into German for decades, introduces the novel and offers insights into his work bridging the two languages.