Herta Müller. Photo Source: @Athens 2018 World Book Capital
Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis welcomes Nobel Prize winner Herta Müller to the Greek capital this week ahead of the city’s role this year as the “World Book Capital” starting on April 23.
The German novelist, poet and essayist will initially meet Mayor Kaminis on Wednesday, at City Hall and later attend the screening of her 2015 documentary titled “The Alphabet of Fear” at the Goethe Institute.
On Thursday, Müller will read extracts from her yet unpublished book “My Fatherland was an Apple Seed”. Meanwhile, the coordinator of the Athens World Book Capital for 2018 events, Yiannis Trohopoulos will address the event.
Müller’s visit to Athens is jointly organized by the Athens Municipality in collaboration with the Goethe Institute and Kastaniotis Publications.
Born in Romania, Müller addresses in her works issues of oppression, fear, persecution and alienation under the Ceaușescu regime.
Müller’s visit paves the way for a year of reading and books as Athens takes over from Conakry, Guinea, on April 23, as World Book Capital 2018.
World Book Capital is a global UNESCO cultural event.
Athens’ slogan “Books Everywhere” launches a series of book-related events across town including reading happenings, seminars and conferences, workshops and competitions, activities for adults and kids. Events will include book readings in unexpected locations for passers-by and round-table discussions with popular Greek and foreign authors.
“The aim of the event is to inspire and to promote reading and creation, to leave a distinct cultural footprint and to enhance Athens’ position as a leading destination for contemporary culture,” said Kaminis.
