Martina Hefter: Reading and award ceremony in Kiel – A literary festival!

Martina Hefter: Reading and award ceremony in Kiel – A literary festival!

On June 19, 2025, at 7 p.m., in the Kesselhaus of the Muthesius Art University in Kiel, the renowned author Martina Hefter will speak from her award-winning novel “Hey, good morning, how are you?” read. The event, which is part of the “Language Art” series, offers the perfect setting to experience Hefter’s impressive story. Admission to the reading is free, and it promises to take listeners into the multifaceted world of art and emotion.

Martina Hefter, who was awarded the German Book Prize in 2024, tells the story of Juno, a performance artist in Leipzig, in her novel. This has to do with the heavy burden of life: she cares for her husband, who has MS, during the day and takes refuge in digital parallel worlds at night. During sleepless nights she chats with a Nigerian love con who wants to exploit her affection for his own purposes. An exciting game with the themes of trust, deception and the boundaries between digital and real life is at the center of the story.

Prize winner and variety of topics

The jury of the German Book Prize praised Hefter's work as “smartly choreographed and emotionally complex”. This award brings with it 25,000 euros in prize money, while the other finalists receive 2,500 euros each. Interestingly, there was an intensive selection process: out of 196 titles viewed, only 20 made it onto the longlist and 6 onto the shortlist. The award ceremony took place in the celebratory ambience of the Kaisersaal in Frankfurt's Römer. In addition to Hefter's "Hey good morning, how are you?" Other notable works were also nominated, including “Hasenprose” by Maren Kames and “The Projectors” by Clemens Meyer.

Juno, the protagonist in Hefter's novel, is not only overwhelmed by caring for her husband, but also asks existential questions. The story alternates between harsh reality and the unreal world of digital communication, touching on themes such as exploitation and illusions. Hefter's ability to weave in mythological figures and cosmic dimensions allows the book to transcend the everyday.

A place for exchange and inspiration

The reading in Kiel is part of the “Language Art” series, which was organized in 2014 by Dr. Arne Zerbst was founded to promote the exchange between visual and linguistic arts. The previous series has already addressed renowned guests such as Durs Grünbein and Judith Hermann. It is a living example of how literature can create networks and bring different art forms into dialogue with one another.

With her reading, Hefter will not only shine in the world of literature, but also underline the importance of personal exchange between authors and readers. This connection is particularly valuable, especially in times when literary events are increasing again and celebrating the return to normality. The event in Kiel will also be an important moment to talk about the issues that concern us all.

For all literature enthusiasts in the region, this is a unique event not to be missed. The reunion of authors and their audience is what inspires freedom of thought and creativity. Come by and be inspired!

For more information visit the articles at Kiel life, German Book Prize and South German newspaper.