The Japan Times - Berlin Literary Guide: Book Launches, Festivals, and Readings Through August

Berlin’s cultural landscape is currently hosting a dense schedule of literary activities, offering readers, writers, and enthusiasts a wide spectrum of engagements ranging from high-profile international festivals to grassroots community gatherings. As the city moves through August, venues are filling with book launches, poetry readings, writing workshops, and collective events designed to stimulate creative exchange.

Among the most resilient independent voices in the capital is Hopscotch Reading Room. Since losing its permanent location on Ku’damm earlier this year, the shop has operated as a nomadic entity, securing support from various hosts across the city. Owner Siddhartha describes the current phase as an "exile," during which the shop rotates its collection and events through pop-up spaces. Committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, Hopscotch centers anti-colonial, non-Western, diasporic, and queer literature. The shop now maintains a weekly presence at 90Mil from Wednesday through Saturday, between 4 pm and 10 pm, providing access to one of the city’s most inclusive literary collections.

The month features significant book launches, including Edna Bonhomme’s new memoir, "Tending to Our Wounds." The work explores the intersections of colonialism and racial capitalism, tracing narratives through Berlin, Cairo, Miami, Harlem, New York, and Port-au-Prince. "Chapters" bookstore has characterized the book as one of the most necessary publications of the year, noting its examination of the African cost associated with enriching a European ruling class. Bonhomme’s first book, "A History of the World in Six Plagues," was previously shortlisted for Best Science Book in Austria. The launch event will feature a conversation between Bonhomme and Emilia Roig, author of the bestselling "Why We Matter: Das Ende der Unterdrückung." The discussion will address common themes in their work and the requirements for healing. Signed copies of the memoir will be available following the conversation.

Another major literary release is "Berlin Babel: Stories of the City," a collection by Katy Derbyshire that compiles short stories from fourteen writers influenced by Berlin. The book presents perspectives from both long-time residents and newcomers, exploring the complexities of life in the city, particularly for immigrants. The English edition includes translations from eight different languages. The launch event, hosted by Derbyshire and Jake Schneider, will feature readings and discussions on writing about Berlin without relying on clichés. Leon Craig, a curator of literary content and one of the contributing writers, will also attend.

The International Literature Festival remains the cornerstone of Berlin’s literary calendar, described as one of the most important literature festivals globally. The upcoming 2026 highlights include Nobel laureate Han Kang, renowned Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh, and Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart. The festival also invites untranslated and undiscovered writers to the stage. Attendees can participate in book signings, 90-minute round tables, and panel discussions covering both literary work and broader social and political issues.

Within the framework of the International Literature Festival, a specific poetry reading event focuses on Berlin’s local linguistic spaces. This program features only Berlin-based poets, offering insight into the city’s domestic literary scene. Six international poets—Mátyás Dunajcsik, Juliane Liebert, Dilek Mayatürk, Vanessa Onwuemezi, Awuor Ouma, and Carlos Soto Román—will perform in various languages with translations provided over three rounds. This event provides an opportunity to engage with local artists who remain in the city beyond the festival period.

Saleem Haddad’s new novel, "Floodlines," is also drawing attention as his only Berlin event this year. The book has been labeled one of the New Yorker’s best books of the year. The narrative follows three estranged Iraqi-British sisters who reunite upon discovering their late father’s lost paintings. Spanning decades during the US-led invasion of Iraq, the story explores themes of betrayal and complex relationships with homeland. Sharmaine, owner of "Chapters," will conduct an interview with Haddad, a Stonewall Honor Book and Polari Prize winner, followed by book signings.

For younger audiences, the refugee-centered library Lilipad is launching its children’s literature and storytelling festival, "Untold Stories." The event is free and open to all families, with a specific welcome for migrant, BIPoC, and queer families. The program includes a Turkish-language reading of "Bir Sonbahar Öyküsü" (An Autumn Story) by Ayşe Pınar Köprücü and a humorous reading by Regina Feldmann from "Amma kann nicht einschlafen" (Amma Can’t Fall Asleep). Activities include a children’s book market, discussions, workshops, music, food, and culinary storytelling.

The FLINTA* literature night returns for its seventh iteration of "Girl, Show Me That Body (Of Work)." The theme explores metamorphosis, ranging from gender transition to the journey through the womb and the Fall of the Wall. The event examines the risks associated with liberation and coming out, as well as the promises and losses involved in crossing boundaries. Featured artists include Joanna Kusiak, Masha Sapizhak, Asta Tall, and Vanessa Gunesch. FLINTA*Literatur is known for platforming migrant and exiled womxn artists.

Other notable events include a discussion at Shakespeare & Sons between Creative Fruits host Demi Anter and Lauren J. Joseph, author of "Savage Cat." The novel follows Charli, a disillusioned Berliner navigating uncertainty about her future. The event promises a creative talk about the chaotic nature of the city, accompanied by wine and open conversation. Additionally, a Hinglish (Hindi and English) spoken word night offers a space for poets and storytellers to perform comical acts without the need for explanation or translation. The theme is "desi," encouraging writers with humorous edges or sarcastic tones to sign up.

For collectors, a book fair will showcase antique and leather-bound tomes. Celebrated booksellers such as Peter Harrington Rare Books from London will be present. Highlights include the original 1927 UK premiere programme for Fritz Lang’s "Metropolis" and David Hockney’s illustrated edition of "Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm."

Finally, the photo book exhibition and event series "Photo Book Summer," organized by musuku – Museum of Subcultures and hosted by the Staatsbibliothek on Potsdammer Str., continues throughout the summer. The program offers numerous events dedicated to the photo book format, providing further opportunities for engagement with visual literature.

H.Takahashi--JT