Norbert Gstrein opens the Bielefeld Literature Days with In the First Light
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Norbert Gstrein opens the 31st Bielefeld Literature Days
The 31st Bielefeld Literature Days begin on October 1, 2026, with a reading by the award-winning Austrian writer Norbert Gstrein. In the Central Library at Neumarkt, he will present his novel "In the First Light." The event combines literary precision, historical depth, and musical accompaniment by Nils Rabente on piano and Jesse Hicks on saxophone.
A novel about war, guilt, and the fragility of life
"In the First Light" begins with an axe blow and unfolds the story of Adrian, whose father renders him unfit for military service in World War I, possibly saving his life. Over more than eight decades, the novel follows a stubborn, tender person who carries the aftermath of war, violence, and political entanglement within himself.
Gstrein's narrative art lies in the condensation of allusions. War and crime remain present, even if they are not always directly stated. The focus is on questions of personal responsibility, shame, and the line between complicity and observation. The novel brings historical experience into a contemporary cultural discourse on memory and moral judgment.
Literary quality and musical atmosphere
The reading promises an intense literary experience: Gstrein's linguistically controlled style meets the intimate atmosphere of the literature stage on the ground floor of the city library. His prose thrives on nuances, broken biographies, and a precise observation of human contradictions.
The musical accompaniment by Nils Rabente and Jesse Hicks adds a sonic layer to the evening. Piano and saxophone create accents between language, memory, and tension, giving the author encounter a special reading atmosphere.
An acclaimed author of contemporary literature
Norbert Gstrein, born in 1961, is one of the prominent voices in contemporary German literature. His work has received, among others, the Alfred Döblin Prize, the Literature Prize of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Austrian Book Prize, and the Thomas Mann Prize. In September 2026, he will also receive the prestigious Siegfried Lenz Prize.
The Literature Days will be held under the motto "You can always tell everything differently" in 2026. After the kickoff with Gstrein, there will be further readings with renowned authors, including Robert Menasse and Nora Gomringer.
Important information about the event
Doors open at 7:30 PM, and the reading starts at 8:00 PM. The regular ticket price is 15 euros, and reduced tickets cost 10 euros. A livestream ticket is available for 7 euros for digital participation. The event space is wheelchair accessible; necessary audio devices can be requested in advance.
The Central Library at Neumarkt is accessible via the light rail stops Hauptbahnhof and Jahnplatz. For those traveling by car, the underground garage at Willy-Brandt-Platz with 400 parking spaces is recommended.
Conclusion: An evening for the great question of personal responsibility
The opening of the 31st Bielefeld Literature Days leads directly into a novel about the long shadows of history and the fragile construction of human identity. Those seeking literary artistry, social relevance, and a concentrated author encounter will experience an evening of exceptional density with Norbert Gstrein. Literature enthusiasts should experience this reading live in the city library at Neumarkt.
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