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Readers of Europe 2022 – Luxembourg recommendation
- 19 July 2022
- Reading suggestion
- gsclibrary
Recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Luxembourg to the EU
Book selected: Stürze aus unterschiedlichen Fallhöhen by Elise Schmit
There is a unique joy in reading short stories. Concise in form and ‘short’ in the length of time needed to finish them, they are often unfairly overlooked in literary circles.
And yet, short stories enable readers to experiment more with different genres. Their short stature can help encourage a routine of reading as they are less daunting to start and finish. They also offer a low-effort opportunity to get acquainted with new authors. Without too much investment, readers can determine the author’s style or turn or phrase.
The benefits of reading short fiction is especially apparent in Elise Schmit’s award-winning collection, Stürze aus unterschiedlichen Fallhöhen.
Across seven tales, Schmit breathes life into characters that have fallen from different heights in their personal lives, be it a personal catastrophe, lost love or failure of life plans.
There’s longing and loneliness here. The loneliness of an abandoned lover who embarks on an odyssey to slowly dissolve himself. The apathy of watching, from the comfort of a kitchen window, tourists rush to their deaths. The dejection of someone choosing to repair radios because they are easier to restore than broken lives.
Although serious in tone, Schmit distils her unique form of absurd humour throughout. Diving into these small worlds is incredibly immersive. Each tale is complete, developed, and complex.
Perfect for a lazy summer evening.
Elise Schmit (1982) is a writer from Luxembourg. Her texts have received several awards at the Concours littéraire national in Luxembourg. Stürze aus unterschiedlichen Fallhöhen is her first independent book publication.
If you’re looking to unearth other literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.
About the Readers of Europe campaign
2022 has been designated the European Year of Youth. That being so, the Council Library has chosen to devote its annual Readers of Europe initiative to youth, putting the focus squarely on new and emerging European literary talent.
The permanent representations to the EU have once again been invited to recommend books from their countries to read over the summer, with the third edition of our Readers of Europe campaign. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Discover something new’, the idea being that every permanent representation selects a book from their country by an author who has published their first work within the last five years. We will then promote these selections over the summer on the Council Library blog.
Europe is awash with exciting young authors. Dive into this selection and discover stories that hum with fresh ideas and luminous prose. Novels that ask piercing questions about humanity. Stories that are edgy and beautiful, gripping and unsettling. Stories worthy of a place in any library.
So find a comfy place to sit back and relax as we showcase some of Europe’s promising literary talent. Join us as we once again encounter the Readers of Europe.
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
The Council Library reading room is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.00 to 15.00. The Info Desk remains open online from Monday to Friday.
