Leipzig, Germany – Award-winning author Yannic Han Biao Federer will be reading from his critically acclaimed novel, “Für immer seh ich dich wieder” (I See You Everywhere, Forever), at the German National Library (DNB) in Leipzig on March 20, 2026. The event, part of the “Leipzig Reads” series, promises an intimate evening with the author, moderated by journalist Andrea Reidt, exploring themes of grief, loss and the enduring power of family. Federer’s work, which recently garnered him the prestigious Family Novel Book Prize 2025, delves into deeply personal territory, resonating with readers through its raw honesty and lyrical prose.
Federer’s novel centers on a young couple, Charlotte and Yannic, navigating the unimaginable pain of losing their son, Gustav Tian Ming, stillborn just weeks before his due date. The story isn’t simply a recounting of tragedy, but a profound exploration of how individuals and families grapple with profound loss, the bureaucratic hurdles encountered when dealing with stillbirth, and the search for meaning in the face of devastation. It’s a narrative that, as the Ravensburger Verlag Foundation noted, extends far beyond a private catastrophe, touching upon universal themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of the human experience. The reading offers a unique opportunity to engage with the author and gain insight into the creative process behind this emotionally resonant work.
A Story Rooted in Personal Experience and Broader Trauma
“Für immer seh ich dich wieder” is described as an autobiographical novel, meaning it draws heavily from the author’s own life experiences. Federer doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of grief, detailing the practical and emotional challenges faced by the couple, from choosing a coffin to navigating the insensitive aspects of bureaucracy. However, the novel also expands beyond this immediate tragedy to explore the intergenerational trauma experienced by his own family, specifically the persecution, violence, and displacement faced by his father’s family. Federer suggests that trauma remains potent “as long as [it] remains formless,” and that storytelling is a crucial act of remembrance and healing. He believes that “a story can only become a memory when it’s told, not once but again and again.”
The novel’s exploration of these themes resonated deeply with the jury of the Family Novel Book Prize, leading to Federer’s win in November 2025. The prize, awarded by the Ravensburger Verlag Foundation, recognizes works of German-language narrative prose – novels, short stories, autobiographies, and autofiction – that offer a contemporary perspective on the concept of family. The 15,000 euro prize acknowledges the book’s literary merit and its ability to address difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance. According to the jury’s statement, the book “reaches far beyond the private catastrophe” and demonstrates “how strong the cohesion of a family can be.”
The Family Novel Book Prize: Recognizing Contemporary Family Narratives
The Family Novel Book Prize, established in 2011, has become a significant literary award in Germany, highlighting works that explore the evolving dynamics of family life. The foundation’s selection process involves consultation with experts in literary criticism and the book trade. In 2025, the jury included Dr. Uwe Wittstock, a literary critic and author. Sandra Kegel from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Cornelia Geißler from the Berliner Zeitung; Mareike Fallwickl, a literary blogger and author; Michael Riethmüller of RavensBuch bookstore; and Andrea Reidt, the journalist who will be moderating Federer’s reading in Leipzig. Suhrkamp Verlag, Federer’s publisher, announced the award on October 5, 2025.
Previous winners of the Family Novel Book Prize include Dana Vowinckel, Caroline Wahl, Benedict Wells, Doris Knecht, and Lena Gorelik, demonstrating the award’s commitment to recognizing a diverse range of voices and perspectives within the realm of family narratives. The prize aims to identify authors who can “draw a contemporary picture of the family using literary stylistic devices,” and Federer’s novel clearly fulfills this criteria through its innovative form and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Yannic Han Biao Federer: A Rising Voice in German Literature
Born in 1986 in Breisach, Germany, to a Chinese-Indonesian father and a German mother, Yannic Han Biao Federer brings a unique perspective to his writing. He studied German and Romance languages at universities in Bonn, Florence, and Oxford, shaping his intellectual and artistic development. Federer’s literary journey began with the publication of “Und alles wie aus Pappmaché” in 2019, followed by “Tao” in 2022. The German National Library notes that he has received numerous accolades for his work, including literary stipends and awards. Currently, he serves as a lecturer at the University of Bonn’s Department of German and Comparative Literature and Culture, following a two-year tenure at the Literaturhaus in Cologne.
Federer’s ability to blend personal experience with broader societal themes has established him as a significant voice in contemporary German literature. His willingness to confront difficult subjects with honesty and vulnerability, coupled with his skillful use of language, has earned him critical acclaim and a growing readership. “Für immer seh ich dich wieder” is not only a testament to his literary talent but also a powerful exploration of the human condition.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The reading and conversation with Yannic Han Biao Federer will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. In the lecture hall of the German National Library in Leipzig. Journalist Andrea Reidt will moderate the event, offering insights into the novel and engaging Federer in a discussion about his writing process and the themes explored in his work. The event is being held in German. Tickets are free and can be obtained by calling 0341 2271-286 or visiting www.dnb.de/veranstaltungleipzig. The event is organized in collaboration with the Ravensburger Verlag Foundation as part of the “Leipzig Reads” initiative.
This event offers a valuable opportunity for readers to connect with a powerful and moving work of literature and to engage in a thoughtful conversation about grief, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Federer’s reading promises to be a poignant and unforgettable evening for all who attend.
The next confirmed event related to Yannic Han Biao Federer’s work is his participation in the Leipzig Book Fair on March 20-21, 2026, following the reading at the German National Library. Readers interested in learning more about his work can visit the Suhrkamp Verlag website or follow his appearances on social media for updates.
What are your thoughts on the themes explored in Federer’s novel? Share your comments below and let us grasp if you plan to attend the reading in Leipzig. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in this important literary event.