Stephan Schäfer: A life between illness and the search for meaning in writing!

Stephan Schäfer: A life between illness and the search for meaning in writing!

Stephan Schäfer, a northern German author, has published a personal and moving story in his new book “25 Last Summers,” which arose from his own painful experience. After contracting a bacterial infection from a cut on his finger while writing the book, he faced a six-month recovery process that required regular hospital visits. According to Kleine Zeitung, in his book the author features a stressed manager having conversations with a potato farmer about the meaning of life. These metaphors and encounters reflect Schäfer's changing view of life.

The bacterial infection not only led to tissue death, but also caused him to have a profound “change in perspective.” Schäfer describes how everyday tasks became evidence of community for him and how the topics of interpersonal relationships and the essentials in life come to the fore. “25 Last Summer” conveys a positive message without making a promise of salvation.

The path to becoming a writer

Stephan Schäfer previously worked as a journalist and held leading positions at Gruner + Jahr and RTL Deutschland. When he was almost 50, he decided to give up his career and become a writer to show his children that lives don't have to be linear. He pursues this goal with great passion and finds being a writer fulfilling and independent.

His preference for cozy coffee houses in Vienna, where he often writes, is part of his creative process. To escape the loneliness of being a writer, he gives chapters to friends and family to read. He avoids social media and doesn't read reviews of his work, which helps him focus on his writing projects.

Illness and literature

In recent years, the literature has increasingly discussed diseases and their treatment. The February 2022 issue of literaturkritik.de presents literary, medical and psychological reflections on illnesses. It offers an overview of reviews and essays that have dealt with this topic since 1999. Important articles on the corona pandemic and various articles on mental illness and medical issues expand the discourse on the important role of illness in literature.

Schäfer's new work fits into this literary context and encourages consideration of fundamental questions of human existence. He plans to continue writing books and telling stories that reflect life, illness, and the human experience.