Simone Falk

Full house at the Kukuryku

More than 50 literature enthusiasts gathered on Thursday evening, 8 January 2026, for an evening of readings and discussion with the German author Simone Falk. Students from the European University Viadrina, as well as numerous residents of the twin city, listened to extracts from the novel *Und dann essen wir Żurek und fallen vom Himmel* – read in both German and Polish. The focus was on the stories of people who move from Germany to Warsaw to start a new life there.

The event was hosted by Frankfurt-based author Sören Bollmann, who skilfully guided the audience through the reading and discussion. Simone Falk provided fascinating insights into the challenges of being a writer and discussed with the audience the differences in mentality between Poles and Germans, language, and what the two neighbouring nations can learn from one another.

The fact that literature can build bridges was evident not only in the discussion but also on the plate: the Polish speciality żurek, delivered specially from Słubice, proved to be the culinary highlight of the evening.

The event was organised by the German-Polish Society of Brandenburg and the Department of Polish at Viadrina University. Financial support was provided by the Friends of Viadrina.