Narrated Norms: On Representation, Chronic Illnesses, and Neurodivergence in Literature

Description

Literature about disabilities, chronic illnesses, and neurodivergence is more visible today than ever before. But who tells these stories – and who is left out? What images of illness shape literature and the public to this day? And how can stereotypical ideas of suffering, healing, or overcoming be broken? Authors Paula Fürstenberg and Maria Zimmermann discuss representation, self-determination, and the responsibility of storytelling. Together, they discuss why visibility alone is not enough, which narratives still dominate the literary scene, and how new literary voices are changing our perceptions. This event marks the beginning of the series Normwechsel, which will be continued at the Literaturhaus Basel. Participants and additional information: Paula Fürstenberg (*1987) grew up in Potsdam and studied at the Swiss Literature Institute and Humboldt University. In 2016, her debut novel Family der geflügelten Tiger was published, in 2024 her second novel Weltalltage, and in 2026 the book Niewiedervereinigung. 100 Interjections on German Unity. She has received numerous scholarships for her work. Besides her work as a writer, she is also active as a curator, educator, editor, and in various artistic collectives. Currently, she is a jury member for the International Literature Prize and tours with the literary girl band No Scribes. Since 2011, Fürstenberg has lived in Berlin and also spends summers in a Datscha in Brandenburg. Status: October 2026 Maria Zimmermann, born in 1991 in Zurich, studied art and design mediation at the Zurich University of the Arts. In the MAS Design Direction, she focused on accessible design and developed the game "Zumutungen." Since 2018, she has also been active as a textile artist under the label Alles wird gut, creating small embroideries for people. Her larger works adorn album covers, jackets, and walls. Inspired by her discovery of autism, she decided to address the topic linguistically and illustratively in her debut Anders nicht falsch. Status: October 2026 Marah Rikli is an author, moderator, speaker, and consultant focusing on inclusion, diversity, and equality. She supports organizations, companies, and festivals in developing inclusive structures, moderates events and panels, and creates spaces for informed, constructive dialogue. As a journalist and author, she has published texts in annabelle, Das Magazin, Republik, and NZZ. Her essays appeared in Verlag sechsundzwanzig and the art project #carecity_stories. She gained wider recognition with the podcast Sara und Marah im Gespräch mit …, which was awarded for best innovations, and the talk series at theatre. a. part in Zurich: Hinter den Kulissen – der Deep Talk mit Marah Rikli. She is also the initiator and festival director of the feminist art festival KIN and artistic director of the InkluVision festival, which advocates for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Marah Rikli lives in Zurich. Status: October 2026

Highlights

• Discussion on representation in literature
• With Paula Fürstenberg and Maria Zimmermann
• Kick-off for the series Normwechsel

General Information

The event addresses the visibility of disabilities, chronic illnesses, and neurodivergence in literature. Authors Paula Fürstenberg and Maria Zimmermann discuss who tells these stories and which narratives shape the literary scene.

Location

Schweiz (Ortsangabe folgt)

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