Star 111

Star 111 is a novel that tells the story of a family in East Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The protagonist, Carl, is a young man who becomes involved with a group of squatters who set up the first alternative bar in East Berlin. The novel explores themes of search for authentic existence, family, and political change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 06 September 2023
Publisher: And Other Stories

Star 111 is a novel by German author Daniel Kehlmann, winner of the 2020 Leipzig Book Fair Prize and longlisted for the 2022 Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger. The novel was also shortlisted for the 2022 Prix Femina Etranger. Set in November 1989, just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the story follows the East German couple Inge and Walter, who, following a secret dream they have harbored all their lives, set out for life in the West. Their son Carl, however, refuses to stay behind and heads to Berlin, where he lives in his father's car until he is taken in by a group of squatters. Led by a shepherd and his goat, the squatters establish the first alternative bar in East Berlin and become involved in guerrilla occupations.

Star 111 is a musical and incantatory novel that tells of the search for authentic existence and also of a family exploded by political change that must find its way back together. The novel explores themes of love, poetry, and the complexities of political transition. With its vivid portrayal of East Berlin and its characters, Star 111 has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to capture the spirit of a tumultuous time in history.

Star 111 has been a bestseller in German, with over 150,000 copies sold. The novel has been translated into several languages, including English, French, and Spanish, and has received critical acclaim worldwide. Daniel Kehlmann is a highly acclaimed German author known for his literary prowess and his ability to blend humor and tragedy in his writing. His other notable works include The Woman Who Walked Into Doors, Measuring the World, and The Story of My Teeth.

In conclusion, Star 111 is a powerful and captivating novel that explores the complexities of political transition, love, and the search for authentic existence. With its vivid portrayal of East Berlin and its characters, the novel has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to capture the spirit of a tumultuous time in history. Daniel Kehlmann is a highly acclaimed German author whose literary prowess continues to inspire readers worldwide.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913505745