Evangelio - A Luther novel by Feridun Zaimoglu
Reading and discussion on the anniversary of the Reformation on 24 October, 7 pm, at the TIETZ
Feridun Zaimoglu will be reading from his latest novel "Evangelio" at TIETZ on Tuesday 24 October at 7 pm at the invitation of the Evangelisches Forum and Chemnitz City Library to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In it, he takes on the great reformer Martin Luther. The event will be moderated by Pastor Dorothee Lücke.
Admission costs 5 euros, concessions: 3 euros. Reservations can be made by calling 0371 488 4366.
Feridun Zaimoglu, who lives in Kiel, is recognised as an eloquent writer. He has chosen just such a role model for his new novel: Martin Luther, whom he refers to as "Master". Martin Luther stays at Wartburg Castle from 4 May 1521 to 1 March 1522. Completely involuntarily, as he was taken into custody at the behest of the Elector of Saxony. There he faces the greatest challenges, but also accomplishes his greatest work: in just ten weeks he translates the New Testament into German.
Feridun Zaimoglu travels back in time, to the castle and to the battles that Luther has to fight. To do so, he uses a first-person narrator who, although a fictional character, is extremely fascinating: Landsknecht Burkhard, an unadventurous merchant's son, is placed at Martin Luther's side to protect him. It is his perspective that opens up a view of the life, endeavours and torments of the reformer.
Burkhard himself is a Catholic and a follower of the old custom and views Luther's work with concern. He does not want to fall away, does not want to break with custom and yet he must protect and preserve those who do. Indeed, he even has to accompany Luther when he secretly leaves the castle and stays with Melanchthon in Wittenberg. And he has to stand by Luther when the so-called Devil's Bible plunges him into the worst visions of the devil.
With resonant language, an astonishing wealth of knowledge and dramatic intensification, Feridun Zaimoglu tells the story of a great German, a time of upheaval and the power and powerlessness of faith.