In their comments on the book, the judges write: “Readers, you’ve never read a book like this; expect to find yourself laughing aloud one moment, and deeply moved the next.” The book is a series of vignettes set in Berlin’s eastern suburb of Marzahn, where a middle-aged writer who retrained as a chiropodist is recording meetings with clients and colleagues.

The book was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award by Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf, who say the book “allows a deep insight into the daily lives of the so called ordinary people. The author treats each of them with respect and approaches with careful empathy.” Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, writes that “Katja Oskamp knows how to capture the essence of people beautifully. They really come to life in her portraits. A powerful book.”

Presented annually since 1996, the Dublin Literary Award is one of the most significant literature prizes in the world. It’s €100,000 prize money is shared between the author, who receives €75,000, and the translator, who wins €25,000. The award is sponsored by Dublin City Council, administered by Dublin City Libraries and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.

Our congratulations to Jo Heinrich, and also to Peirene Press, the independent publisher of the translation!