dtv Publishing House at the Frankfurt Book Fair: diversity, voices, and history

Deutsches Taschenbuch Verlag (dtv) is one of the last major independent publishers in the German-speaking world. At the Frankfurt Book Fair, this traditional publishing house will present a wide-ranging program, from fiction and literature to children's and young adult books to sophisticated nonfiction. This year, the focus will be on emotional novels, strong female characters, and historical themes – with authors who are internationally renowned and are setting new literary standards.

Literary diversity at the book fair

dtv's program reflects the diversity of contemporary reading. In addition to internationally successful authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Colleen Hoover, the publisher also introduces new voices that are attracting special attention with their stories. An outstanding example is Beatrix Gerstberger, whose debut novel has made a major breakthrough this year. Her emotional story about three women on the coast of Maine was nominated for the shortlist of independent bookstores in Germany—a success that shows how strongly dtv focuses on literary quality and narrative depth.

The Lobster Women by Beatrix Gerstberger: Women, the Sea, and Life Stories

Gerstberger's novel focuses on three women from different generations who live on the rugged coast of Maine. Their lives are marked by loss, new beginnings, and a deep love of nature. Two of them work as lobster fishermen—a profession that is still dominated by men in reality. This perspective gives the book particular power and authenticity. The story shows how different phases of life are interwoven and how generations are connected by shared experiences. The author succeeds in combining emotional depth with keen observation – a work that appeals to readers of different age groups and at the same time raises social issues.

Post-war novel by Susanne Abel

Another highlight of the dtv program is the new novel by Susanne Abel. Following the success of Stay away from Gretchen, the author once again turns her attention to German post-war history. Her new work tells the story of orphans who were cared for by the Red Cross and other organizations after World War II – children whose parents were missing or had been killed in action. Abel sheds light on a chapter of German history that has long been overlooked, linking historical events with personal destinies. The novel leads up to the present day and asks how the past shapes identity. Abel shows that history is not complete, but continues to have an impact on generations – a topic that is particularly relevant in today's world.

dtv Verlag: Between entertainment and social relevance

In addition to emotional narratives and historical material, dtv also focuses on depth of content in its nonfiction section. Titles such as “Ostpreußen” (East Prussia) by Buchsteiner illustrate how strong the need to confront one's origins and memories remains. The publisher sees itself not only as a provider of literature, but also as a place of cultural reflection. With its broad spectrum—from entertaining fiction to sophisticated historical novels—dtv creates a connection between reading pleasure and social relevance. This diversity is evident at the Frankfurt Book Fair: well-known names, new talents, and stories that touch and linger.