Ceremony October 14th 2024
17.09.2024
Six novels chosen as finalists
© Christof Jakob
The jury has shortlisted the following six novels for the German Book Prize 2024:
- Martina Hefter: Hey guten Morgen, wie geht es dir? (Klett-Cotta, July 2024)
- Maren Kames: Hasenprosa (Suhrkamp Verlag, March 2024)
- Clemens Meyer: Die Projektoren (S. Fischer Verlag, August 2024)
- Ronya Othmann: Vierundsiebzig (Rowohlt Verlag, March 2024)
- Markus Thielemann: Von Norden rollt ein Donner (Verlag C.H.Beck, July 2024)
- Iris Wolff: Lichtungen (Klett-Cotta, January 2024)
Regarding this selection, jury spokesperson Natascha Freundel (rbb) states: “For the shortlist of the German Book Prize 2024, we’ve selected novels that explore the light and darkness of our recent history in new ways, and that overcome narrative boundaries while also being great literary adventures. Each book is unique in both form and content: ‘Hey guten Morgen, wie geht es Dir?‘ (‘Hey Good Morning, How Are You?’) – that’s how a text message can begin that connects Africa with Europe. A rabbit darts poetically side to side through the pop and art landscape; a “fragmentarist” rides on horseback through Europe’s history of violence, tracking down images from films in the process. What possibilities does storytelling have today, in a present that is outstripping itself? Especially when it comes to a genocide that few even know about: that of the Yazidis. Or when the ghosts of German bloodthirstiness come up against new rights on the northern German heath? And is ‘something like happiness’ possible, despite everything, when one person has gone while another stayed behind?”
Since the submission process began, the seven members of the jury have reviewed 197 titles published between October 2023 and 17 September 2024.
The award ceremony will be broadcast live from the Kaisersaal of the Frankfurt Römer on 14 October 2024 to coincide with the start of Frankfurter Buchmesse. Those interested can watch the award ceremony via live stream at www.deutscher-buchpreis.de
Further information on the titles including jury comments and audio samples can be found on the nominees page, image and information material under downloads.
© Christof Jakob