Literatur im Forum: »Russische Spezialitäten« Lesung und Gespräch mit Dmitrij Kapitelman

In the organizer's words:

Literature in the Forum: "Russian specialties"

Reading and discussion with Dmitrij Kapitelman

October 30, 2025 19:30 - 21:00 Forum for Nature and Art, Lemgo

As part of the "Wörterleuchten" series, award-winning author Dmitrij Kapitel man will be a guest at the Staff Foundation's Forum for Nature and Art. In a combination of reading and discussion, he presents his novel "Russian Specialties", a bittersweet, tragic and comical yet political tale about family, identity and the (im)possibility of understanding in times of old and new wars.

Between the shelves of a Russian grocery store in Leipzig, an equally loving and painful look at the coexistence of generations, languages and world views unfolds. A family from Kyiv sells Russian specialties in Leipzig: vodka, pelmeni, SIM cards, sailor shirts - and a somehow Eastern European feeling of togetherness. However, the latter is no longer available since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The mother is on Putin's side. And her son, who loves no language more than Russian, no person more than his mother, but also no city more than Kyiv, is in despair. It is not wise of him to return to Ukraine in the middle of the war. But what should he do if there is no other way to get his mother back from fascism and the crazy Russian television lies? The story thus becomes a gripping search for clues between the front line and family history.

"In 'Russian Specialties', Dmitrij Kapitelman explores his relationship with his parents, especially his mother, always keeping an eye on the political forces, including those in Germany. He does this with desperation and affection; lovingly and without understanding. What sounds heavy is nevertheless easy to read in Kapitelman's work. Because he is an empathetic observer and narrator. Because he comes up with words, sentences and scenes that are imbued with endearing sarcasm and poetic airiness." (NDR Kultur)

The event takes place in cooperation with the Staff Foundation, whose generous support enables Free admission for all visitors. Tickets can be reserved from September 26, 2025, 10:00 via the order form.