Reading evening in Göttingen: Experience Good against the North Wind”!

Reading evening in Göttingen: Experience Good against the North Wind”!

In the time of digital messages and virtual encounters, the city library in the Thomas Buergentahl House in Göttingen has put together a very special event: On October 2, 2025 at 11:15 a.m., reading fans are invited to listen to the reading from the book “Gut gegen Nordwind” by Daniel Glattauer. The readers Monika Lipke and Dietrich Böhme are on the red sofa on the first floor ready to take the listeners into the emotional rollercoaster ride of the protagonists.

The story revolves around the main character, Emmi Rothner, who comes into precious contact with Leo Leike when she accidentally sends an email to him. Instead of frustration, a lively exchange develops between the two, characterized by affection and yet also by hesitant decisions. After all, Emmi is married and Leo has a failed relationship. Archive.org summarizes that the two of them have to ask themselves whether their digital love feelings also last in the real world.

A look behind the scenes

What topics are covered in the reading? The novel addresses the tension between digital and real communication. Advancing digitalization has fundamentally changed the way people contact each other. Where face-to-face meetings used to dominate, messenger services and emails now dominate. There is a risk of communication overload and social isolation.

Interestingly, it's not just the emails between Emmi and Leo that stimulate discussion. It also considers to what extent the love that is sparked digitally can withstand direct encounters. Influencing factors such as non-verbal communication and the risks of misunderstandings should not be underestimated. Misunderstandings can easily arise, especially in times when the transmission of feelings and facial expressions via digital platforms is neglected. The question that comes with this is: How dare people risk everything for what at first glance appears to be a random but strongly felt connection?

Digital communication is changing

The event on October 2nd not only invites you to listen, it also encourages you to think about your own communication methods. The digital revolution has both strained and strengthened social bonds. It is important to avoid possible filter bubbles and the challenge of “phubbing” – the use of smartphones during direct conversations – in order not to damage the quality of interpersonal relationships.

With this event, the city library in the Thomas-Buergentahl-Haus has shown a good knack for promoting awareness of the dramaturgy of human communication and at the same time celebrating the love of literature. If you would like to find out more about the library's offerings and events, you can find all the information directly on the city library's website.