Rowohlt Publishing House presents literary diversity at the book fair

Rowohlt Verlag, based in Hamburg, is one of Germany's leading publishers. At the Frankfurt Book Fair, this long-established publishing house is showcasing the breadth of its spectrum – from crime fiction and modern contemporary novels to works by Nobel Prize winners in literature. Two current books stand out in particular: Lázár by Nelio Biedermann and Sanatorium by Anna Prizkau. Both titles impressively demonstrate how strongly young authors are redefining literary themes today.

Rowohlt Verlag in Hamburg stands for a broad literary spectrum

Frederik Eikmeier, sales representative at Rowohlt Verlag, describes the publishing house as an established player in the German-language book market. For decades, the company has offered a diverse program and sees itself as a point of contact for readers who appreciate quality and literary breadth. In addition to successful crime writers and award-winning authors, the program regularly features new voices that enrich the literary field.

Nelio Biedermann's novel Lázár impresses with its depth and historical breadth

One of this year's autumn highlights is Lázár, the debut novel by young Swiss author Nelio Biedermann. The work was written when the author was just 21 years old. With a keen sense of language and historical references, he tells the story of a Hungarian noble family whose fate is closely linked to the political upheavals of the 20th century.

Spanning several generations, a multi-layered panorama unfolds of loss, upheaval, and adaptation to the changing times between the German Empire, National Socialism, and the post-war era. Biedermann cleverly combines family history and contemporary history – with wit, accuracy, and emotional depth. The book was nominated for the “Favorite Book of Independent Booksellers” award, which underscores its significance in the current literary scene. The author will be appearing on several panels during the fair and will provide insights into the creation of his novel. The work already caused a stir last year when it was one of the most sought-after titles at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Rowohlt Berlin recognized its potential early on and signed the young author in advance – a stroke of luck that attracted attention in the industry.

The importance of independent bookstores

Independent bookstores play a central role for publishers such as Rowohlt. They are regarded as guarantors of diversity, personal advice, and proximity to readers. Many owner-operated bookstores are involved in activities that extend beyond regional boundaries, such as the “Week of Independent Bookstores,” during which the “Independent's Favorite Book” is chosen each year. This award recognizes books that are recommended out of conviction – regardless of marketing campaigns or large publishing budgets. The fact that Lázár is on the shortlist is seen as a special recognition by the publisher. It reflects the confidence that committed booksellers have in the literary quality of the title.

Anna Prizkau and her novel Sanatorium touch readers with psychological subtlety

In addition to Biedermann's debut, Anna Prizkau's novel Sanatorium is also attracting attention. The author, who has already made a name for herself with a collection of short stories, presents a work set in a psychiatric institution. Four women, each with their own story, meet there. They are united by their desire for peace and their search for inner stability. Prizkau succeeds in subtly interweaving themes such as trauma, migration, and female identity. With humor, keen observation, and empathy, she creates characters who radiate warmth and humanity despite difficult circumstances. The result is a novel that touches the reader emotionally without seeming melodramatic—and one that will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate subtle literature.

Rowohlt Verlag at the book fair – encounters, conversations, new voices

The Frankfurt Book Fair remains an important meeting place for Rowohlt Verlag: for authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers. In addition to well-known voices, young talents are increasingly shaping the scene, whose works deal with social, historical, and personal themes in new ways. The response to titles such as Lázár and Sanatorium shows that sophisticated literature still finds a wide readership today – especially when it is told in an authentic, precise, and lively way.