Leïla Slimani - "On the Assault Against the Border. Questions for Our Time"

Description

"On the Assault Against the Border. Questions for Our Time." Reading and discussion Moderated by Volker Weidermann (ZEIT) The Franco-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani is considered one of France's most important literary voices. Her books are international bestsellers. Slimani, born in Rabat in 1981, grew up in Morocco and studied at Sciences Po in Paris. She was awarded the prestigious Prix Goncourt for her novel "Then Sleep Also You." Recently published by Luchterhand Literaturverlag are the novels "The Land of Others," "Look at How We Dance," and "Carry the Fire Forward." They are part of a trilogy based on the history of Leïla Slimani's own family. "Leïla Slimani has transformed world history into literature in a beautifully vivid, captivating way that spans three generations." (Volker Weidermann, DIE ZEIT) With "On the Assault Against the Border. Questions for Our Time," Leïla Slimani presents her most important essays, speeches, and columns for the first time. Drawing from her own biography – between Morocco and France, Arabic and French – she describes in the titular essay what it means to write in a language that is not one's own, and how colonial history continues to resonate today. She writes about real and symbolic borders, fanaticism, racism, migration, feminism, and exclusion, defending literature as a space of empathy, diversity of voices, and doubt. The volume is complemented by her widely discussed opening speech at the International Literature Festival Berlin, as well as essays and columns written in the context of the terrorist attacks in France, which have not lost their relevance to this day. A wise book about the present – and a passionate plea for literature as a necessary counterforce in an increasingly polarized world. On May 11, Leïla Slimani will present the book at its German premiere in Hamburg. The evening will be moderated by Volker Weidermann.

Highlights

• Reading and discussion with Leïla Slimani
• Moderated by Volker Weidermann (ZEIT)
• Addresses colonial history, migration, and feminism

General Information

Leïla Slimani, one of France's most significant literary voices, presents her essays and columns at Laeiszhalle in Hamburg. In her work "On the Assault Against the Border. Questions for Our Time," she explores current social issues and her own biography between Morocco and France.

Location

Johannes-Brahms-Platz, 20355 Hamburg, Germany

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