Martina Hefter Celebrated with Deutscher Buchpreis at Frankfurt Book Fair

A Momentous Recognition for Martina Hefter

Before the start of the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Deutscher Buchpreis was awarded today in the historical Kaisersaal of the Frankfort Römer to author Martina Hefter for her work Hey, Guten Morgen, wie geht es dir?. The jury stated, "The protagonist in Martina Hefter's Hey, Guten Morgen, wie geht es dir? is in her mid-50s, leading a precarious life as a performance artist in Leipzig while caring for her husband suffering from MS. In sleepless nights, she chats with a Nigerian con artist, raising questions about exploitation in their interactions and the blurred lines between digital games and real affection.

This novel intricately links the burdens of everyday life with mythological figures and cosmic dimensions, balancing between melancholy and euphoria, while reflecting on trust and deception. All of this is captured by Martina Hefter in her skillfully choreographed novel, which exudes a unique allure.

Other Noteworthy Nominations

• Maren Kames with Hasenprosa
• Clemens Meyer with Die Projektoren
• Ronya Othmann with Vierundsiebzig
• Markus Thielemann with Von Norden rollt ein Donner
• Iris Wolff with Lichtungen

The book prize is awarded by the Stiftung Buchkultur and Leseförderung of the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, featuring a total prize of 37,500 euros: the winner receives 25,000 euros, while other shortlisted authors receive 2,500 euros each. Last year, the Austrian Tonio Schachinger won with his novel Echtzeitalter.

On Tuesday, the Frankfurt Book Fair will officially open, running until Sunday, with the attendance of Cultural State Minister Claudia Roth and Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, as Italy is the guest country this year.