What Stuckrad-Barre’s book says about the Springer affair
Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre’s novel was hotly anticipated because it is expected to provide more details about ex-“Bild” head Reichelt and Springer board member Döpfner. Some readers are likely to be disappointed.
Such secrecy has most rarely been made about a book. Usually, journalists get advance insights when they want to write a review. Not so with “Still awake?”, the new novel by bestselling author Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre. The publisher Kiepenheuer & Witsch was probably worried that lawyers could prevent the book from being published if the contents were leaked in advance.
For weeks, there was speculation about whether Stuckrad-Barre would reveal further details about the abuse of power at the Axel Springer Group. Former female employees of the publishing house accuse the former “Bild” editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt of such misconduct. For a long time, publishing boss and Reichelt’s duz friend Mathias Döpfner had held on to him until the pressure became too much in October 2021, according to a report in the “New York Times.” Reichelt rejects the accusations.
The book, told from the point of view of an unnamed writer, is about an equally unnamed but large tabloid television station, its corporate CEO, whom the writer repeatedly refers to as “my friend,” and the station’s editor-in-chief, whom female employees accuse of harassment and abuse of power.
It is unmistakable that these are supposed to be the Springer publishing house, Stuckrad-Barre himself, Döpfner and Reichelt. What is striking is the vehemence with which the author and publisher counter this impression. At the premiere reading on Wednesday evening, the 48-year-old deliberately emphasized the fictional nature of his work: “There are so many made-up people in this book – it’s incredible.”
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Source: Handelsblatt Online: Here it’s written what the the book is about–>
Who is Benjamin Stuttgard Barre and what made him so known in germany
Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre is a German author, journalist, and television presenter. He was born on January 3, 1975, in Bremen, Germany.
Stuckrad-Barre first gained national attention in the late 1990s as part of the “Popliteratur” (pop literature) movement in Germany. His 1998 memoir “Soloalbum” (Solo Album) chronicled his experiences as a young writer trying to make it in Berlin’s music and media scenes. The book was a critical and commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies and earning Stuckrad-Barre a reputation as one of the leading voices of his generation.
Since then, Stuckrad-Barre has written numerous books, including novels, memoirs, and essays. He is also a prolific journalist and has written for several major German publications, including Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Stuckrad-Barre is known for his distinctive writing style, which combines a confessional and self-referential approach with a keen eye for cultural trends and phenomena. He often blurs the boundaries between fact and fiction, and his work frequently touches on themes of addiction, mental illness, and pop culture.
In addition to his writing, Stuckrad-Barre is a regular presence on German television, hosting several talk shows and cultural programs. He is also a musician and has released several albums.
Overall, Stuckrad-Barre’s unique voice, eclectic interests, and willingness to push boundaries have made him a prominent and influential figure in contemporary German culture.
Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre has written a diverse range of books and articles, including novels, memoirs, and essays.
His most notable works include:
- “Soloalbum” (Solo Album) (1998): Stuckrad-Barre’s debut book, a memoir about his experiences as a young writer in Berlin’s music and media scenes. It became a bestseller in Germany and established him as a leading voice of the “Popliteratur” movement.
- “Ich habe Hunger. Ich habe Durst.” (I’m Hungry. I’m Thirsty.) (2000): A collection of essays and short stories that further explored Stuckrad-Barre’s preoccupations with pop culture, mental illness, and addiction.
- “Livealbum” (Live Album) (2001): A follow-up to “Soloalbum” that chronicled Stuckrad-Barre’s experiences as a successful writer and television personality. It was also a commercial success in Germany.
- “Deutsches Theater” (German Theatre) (2003): A novel that satirizes the German theatre scene and explores themes of authenticity and identity.
- “Panikherz” (Panic Heart) (2016): A memoir that chronicles Stuckrad-Barre’s struggles with drug addiction, depression, and anxiety. It was widely praised for its raw honesty and emotional depth.
Stuckrad-Barre’s writing has had a significant impact on German literature and culture. His confessional and self-referential style has been influential in shaping the “Popliteratur” movement and has inspired many other writers in Germany. His willingness to tackle taboo subjects like addiction and mental illness has also helped to break down stigmas surrounding these issues in German society.
Furthermore, Stuckrad-Barre’s work as a journalist and cultural commentator has also had a significant impact on German public discourse. His insights into pop culture trends and his critiques of mainstream media have been widely read and discussed in Germany, and his television programs have helped to bring contemporary art and culture to a wider audience.