The reading circle at Maison de Heidelberg, facilitated by Lyris Lawaty, gathers on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 18:30 to discuss a novel from contemporary German-language literature. This session focuses on '22 Bahnen' by Caroline Wahl.
The novel follows Tilda, whose days are rigidly scheduled between studying, working a supermarket checkout and caring for her younger sister Ida and, on bad days, their alcoholic mother. The three of them live in the saddest house on Fröhlichstraße in a small town Tilda despises — her friends have long since moved to Amsterdam or Berlin, but she stayed because someone had to.
A potential PhD position in Berlin and the reappearance of Viktor — the older brother of a childhood friend, who swims the same 22 lengths as she does — hint at a future with freedom. But just as things seem to brighten, the situation at home spirals out of control. The book is described as both raw and tender, exploring the devastation of family life and the search for happiness between duty and freedom.
No regular attendance is required — all are welcome to join this informal and convivial meeting. Participants are expected to obtain and read the book in advance.