Dmitrij Kapitelman: An evening full of literature and life stories in Bielefeld

Dmitrij Kapitelman: An evening full of literature and life stories in Bielefeld

A new series of events at the University of Bielefeld, launched by the Department of German Studies in cooperation with the Faculty of Linguistics and Literature, will be opened on October 22, 2024 by the work "A Formalie in Kiev" by the author Dmitrij Kapitelman. In “A University, One Book”, the focus is on various literary texts, which are supplemented by an accompanying seminar and interdisciplinary lectures.

dmitrij Kapitelman, born in Kiev, tells the moving story of a family that travels abroad in his novel. The protagonist Dima is faced with bureaucratic obstacles while trying to achieve German citizenship. Behind the unfortunately humorous look at the bureaucracy is the serious examination of identity and family conflicts. "A formalism in Kiev" is not only a novel about immigration, but also a profound story about hope and family ties.

an important conversation

As part of the series, there will be a discussion between Chapterman and Sonja Zekri, journalist at the Süddeutsche Zeitung, on October 22nd at 7 p.m. The organizers, Dr. Mareike Gronich and Professor Dr. Claudia Hillebrandt, emphasize that the goal of the series is not only to present literary texts, but also to promote a dialogue between literary professionals, researchers and the urban society.

"The book contributes to the understanding of current cultural and social discussions," explains Hillebrandt. "The events are designed so that they stimulate and invite you to think about important topics of our time." Chapterman's work promises to offer a valuable basis for these discussions.

The series includes several public events in the winter semester, which include both readings and interpretive discussions. On October 29, Dr. Luisa Banki report in a lecture on transgenerational discussions in Chapterman's work, followed by an event on the subject of migration and humor on December 3 with Prof. Dr. Paul Mecheril.

For those interested, there is also the opportunity to experience Chapterman on January 14, 2025 at a reading where he will read from his novel. These events are an excellent opportunity to reflect literary works and to gain different perspectives through the exchange with experts.

about his own life, Chapterman tells not only in his books, but also in this series of events. Born in Kiev in 1986, he came to Germany with his family as a contingent refugee at the age of eight. He developed a passion for writing and literature early on, which is expressed in his successful works. His debut novel "The smile of my invisible father" was awarded several prizes.

This series at the University of Bielefeld not only focuses on chapterman, but also the topic of migration and identity. The exchange about these questions will enrich both literature and the public and is a step to strengthen cultural relationships. For more information, see the current reporting on current.uni-bielefeld.de .