Siegrid Nunez Marion Ettlinger
© Marion Ettlinger
Reading and conversation

Sigrid Nunez

How do we get through times of crisis?

12.07.2024
Admission: 19:00
Start: 20:00
Old Botanical Garden

In Sigrid Nunez's new novel The Vulnerables, the focus is on closeness and intimacy in uncertain times. She tells of what happens when strangers are willing to open their hearts to each other, and what even small gestures of care can achieve.

When a close friend of the unnamed narrator becomes stranded in California, she agrees to take care of her apartment in New York – including her lively parrot. In the apartment, she encounters a young man who is still at the beginning of his life and seeks refuge from the expectations of his family. Together, the two navigate through tumultuous times with the parrot. With much humor and stylistic brilliance, Sigrid Nunez tackles the big themes of life. Again and again, the author smuggles profound reflections on pain and loss into the narrative. And yet, the book reads seamlessly – with deceptive lightness.

Sigrid Nunez, born in 1951 in New York City, is one of the most popular authors of contemporary American literature. However, the gifted storyteller had to wait a long time for her success. Since 1995, she has published eight literary books that have been highly praised and widely awarded. But the major commercial success came in 2018 with her novel The Friend. The book won the National Book Award and made its author a star. Since then, her books have been at the top of bestseller lists, including in the German-speaking world.

Moderation
German Speaker
Language

The conversation will be in English, the book excerpts will be read in German.

Outside Later start of event

If the event takes place outside, we will start half an hour later: at 20.30. (The door opening remains the same: at 19.00)

Backup venue

If the weather is bad or uncertain, the event will take place indoors at Kaufleuten.

Bookstall

Organized by the bookstore Hottingerplatz.

Bar

Enjoy sandwiches, snacks and drinks at the festival bar. Open from 7 pm.

Restaurant

Treat yourself to a fine dinner before the event at Kaufleuten Restaurant, open from 6pm.

Program change at short notice

Sigrid Nunez was unable to come to Zurich for health reasons. The event had to be canceled. A reading with Helen Macdonald took place as a replacement.