The event series “Lese Literati: Onleihe Book Buffet” from the libraries of the Goethe-Institut in South Asia is taking place from August to November, 2021. The series brings German authors and readers together, featuring internationally acclaimed German authors like Olga Grjasnowa, Joshua Gross, Kübra Gümüşay and more.
The Goethe-Institut Bangladesh opens the series with a virtual reading by German author Olga Grjasnowa with "City of Jasmine" and a book talk with Bangladeshi readers. "City of Jasmine’" centres on Syria, starting with the hope of the two protagonists during revolution in Arab Spring. Soon that hope fades into a desperate fight for survival in war-time Syria as both lose everything, and the story spans to Paris and Berlin, where the protagonists seek to build new futures.
The two literary sessions are hosted in collaboration with the Dhaka Lit Fest, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and North South University.
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On August 18 at 7- 8pm, audiences can join a reading with Olga Grjasnowa, moderated by Saad Z Hossain on Zoom. The reading will be in English with free access and open to all upon registration.
On August 19, at 7- 8pm, an "Open Talk" between Olga Grjasnowa and six young readers of her book from Bangladesh, will be moderated by Priyanka Chowdhury. This program will be broadcasted Live on the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh’s Facebook page.
Dr Kirsten Hackenbroch, director of Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, said: “Olga Grjasnowa linked up with the Bangladeshi literature scene at the Dhaka Lit Fest 2018. Her novels on issues of migration, home(s) and identities captured the audiences then - and ‘City of Jasmine’ with its protagonists losing everything and seeking a new beginning is a timely read in current times.”