Literary highlights in May

In his novel *The World in Her Hands*, journalist and writer Olivier Guez intertwines the life of Gertrude Bell with the political upheavals in the Middle East following the First World War. The result is a portrait of an extraordinary woman: archaeologist, diplomat, adventurer – and for a long time the only woman amongst influential men in Mesopotamia. Here too, Guez focuses on a historical figure, recounting Bell’s political acumen, her fascination with the Oriental world and the upheavals of an era whose conflicts extend into the present day.

Thursday 7 May, Literaturhaus Zürich, 7.30 pm

Every few years, I hope you’ll allow me to mention something of a personal nature, such as the launch of a new novel. Switzerland in the future – and nothing is as it was. This is how my novel *Tal der Schwalben* (Valley of the Swallows), published by Diogenes Verlag, begins, in which I paint a picture of a country gripped by the energy crisis and climate change.

A young scientist returns to his hometown and searches the mountains for solutions to the ongoing energy crisis. In this valley, in the shadow of a glacier, he encounters profound questions about nature, home and solidarity – and his childhood sweetheart Annetta. A story about fears for the future, belonging and the vulnerability of our world. Host: Boris Previšić. Followed by: drinks, conversation and some alpine herbal alchemy.

Monday 11 May, Literaturhaus Zürich, 7.30 pm

How did the nuclear age begin in Switzerland – and where do we stand today? An analysis of Switzerland’s nuclear history, navigating between faith in progress, risk assessment and social negotiation: Monika Gisler explores the development from the early political, scientific and social decisions that set the course to current debates on energy, safety and responsibility. Gisler is a historian whose research focuses on environmental history, particularly nuclear energy in Switzerland. Her book was published in 2024: ‘Erzählte Physik. Paul Scherrer und die Anfänge der Kernforschung’ (Told Physics: Paul Scherrer and the Beginnings of Nuclear Research).

Thursday 21 May, 12:15–13:15, Strauhof Museum, registration vermittlung@strauhof.ch

Three women, three new beginnings, caught between tragedy and moments of joy. Lina Bögli (1858–1941), a farmer’s daughter, was determined to make her way in the world and spent ten years travelling. In Herzogenbuchsee, her final place of residence, her journey becomes clear: education as liberation. Annemarie Schwarzenbach (1908–1942), a writer and icon of the free woman, sought her own horizons and travelled to the Orient in 1939 together with Ella Maillart. An exploration of three lives in which the act of being on the move becomes a form of self-determination.

Tuesday 26 May, University of Zurich Centre, 7 pm