This year's Frankfurt Book Fair is over and even though we weren't there as an exhibitor this year, we were there. There we collected a lot of impressions, had discussions and attended events.
Of course, the trade fair was all about this year's guest country Spain. We are also suitably equipped: Our new volume of poetry “Prophecy according to nature” by Juan Andrés GarcÍa Román was translated into German by Piero Salabè, but the original Spanish texts were not removed. So you will find a bilingual version of the poems on every page.
Already in the run-up to the fair, Iran caused a stir and discussions when they decided to cancel their participation. Even if the country was not officially part of the fair, there were some larger and smaller events and discussions about Iran and the current situation. We published a book on this subject a few weeks ago. "Sons of Love" by Ghazi Rabihavi is about two young men whose love is made impossible by the patriarchal and strictly religious regime in Iran.
We stand in full solidarity with all the women and men in Iran who have been fighting for their freedom for weeks.
Of course, we also used the time at the fair to talk to current and future cooperation partners and authors. First of all we want to join Litprom Thank you for exhibiting our books at their booth. Also the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Sheikh Zayed Book Award was represented on site. He sponsored the translation of Khalil Sweileh's novel The Weight of Regret by Suleman Taufiq. We are very pleased that Jürgen Boos, Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, also recommended this book. Of course, some authors and translators from Sujet Verlag were also on the road with us at the fair. Among them Suleman Taufiq, Angelika Sinn, Nassir Djafari, Claudio Ott and Salem Khalfani.
The presentation of the LiBeraturpreis to Chisako Wakatake was also a nice experience. There is also a recipient of this award in our program. Faribā Vafī was awarded in 2017 for her novel "Tarlan".
Overall, we really enjoyed our time at the fair. In addition to old acquaintances, we also made some new ones. So be curious what new projects are waiting for you in the future!
