Romanian literary showcase at the Leipzig Book Fair 2024

The presence of Romanian and German-language authors with Romanian roots takes center stage at this year’s Leipzig Book Fair, between March 21-24.

At Romania’s booth, organized by the Ministry of Culture (Hall 4, D311) under the motto “Books For Friends,” attendees can expect nine featured authors, 12 events, and a display of over 150 titles, including a mini-bookstore highlighting Romanian literature. Additionally, recent Carturino Awards recipients will be showcased, along with a selection of titles translated into German over the years, in collaboration with the National Book Center and Traduki. For the first time, visitors can purchase Romanian books from diasporaciteste.eu, a Romanian bookstore in Prague.

Of notable mention are Andra Rotaru and Nichita Danilov, whose works are debuting in German, underscoring the growing interest in contemporary Romanian literature within the German literary sphere. Tatiana Ţîbuleac will also be present for the German edition release of “The Summer When Mother Had Green Eyes”. Alongside them, authors like Raluca Nagy and Flavius Ardelean-Bachmann, already successful in Germany, will participate.

Joining these writers are four Romanian-origin authors already established in the German literary scene: Alexandru Bulucz, Dana Grigorcea, Iris Wolff, and Jan Cornelius. Moderated by well-known figures such as Georg Aescht and Ernest Wichner, these authors will participate in 12 events, including book launches and discussions, under the official program “Leipzig liest/Leipzig reads”.

The program also includes discussions on various contemporary themes such as belonging, children’s literature, and the role of translators. Notable debates include “Children’s and Youth Literature, a Stake in the International Book Market”, “Feminine Voices Increasingly Strong in Contemporary Romanian Literature”, and “Contemporary Romanian Poetry – From Social Construct to Activism”.