Sometimes the most beautiful collaborations happen organically, growing from genuine connections and shared values. That's exactly what happened when an international friend reached out with a simple request: "I would like to buy a couple of novels by contemporary German authors in English. Can Marion and Johanna recommend some novels?"
What started as a casual question has blossomed into something much more meaningful - a cooperation that perfectly embodies the Static Roots spirit of community, family, and supporting local businesses.
A Family Affair
For those who've been part of the Static Roots family over the years, Marion and Johanna are familiar faces. You'll find them working our merchandise table each festival, sharing smiles and stories with attendees from around the world. What many don't know is that Marion (my wife) and Johanna (my daughter) also run Proust wörter + schönes, a beautiful bookstore in Essen that shares our passion for authentic storytelling - just in a different medium.
The connection between music and literature runs deep in the roots tradition. Both are about stories that matter, voices that need to be heard, and the power of narrative to connect us across cultures and continents. When our international friend asked for book recommendations, it felt natural to turn to Marion and Johanna - not just as booksellers, but as curators of stories that resonate.
Handpicked Stories from the Heart
Marion and Johanna carefully selected seven contemporary German novels available in English translation, each chosen for its unique voice and compelling narrative:
- Benedict Wells - The End of Loneliness - A deeply moving tale about family, loss, and finding your place in the world
- Fatma Aydemir - Djinns - A powerful story exploring identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience
- Daniel Kehlmann - The Director - A brilliant exploration of art, ambition, and the price of success
- Mariana Leky - What You Can See From Here - A magical realist novel about love, loss, and the mysteries of small-town life
- Christian Kracht - Eurotrash - A darkly comic journey through European decadence and family secrets
- Wolfgang Herrndorf - Why We Took The Car - A coming-of-age road trip that's both hilarious and heartbreaking
- Dana Vowinckel - Misophonia - An intimate exploration of sound sensitivity and human connection
The Response That Warmed Our Hearts
When we shared this story on social media, something beautiful happened. Orders started coming in from our international Static Roots family - people who trust our recommendations not just for music, but for stories that matter. It's a testament to the community we've built together, where connections go beyond the festival weekend and into the everyday moments that feed our souls.
More Than Just Books
This collaboration represents everything Static Roots stands for: supporting local businesses, celebrating family connections, and building bridges between cultures through shared stories. Just as we partner with Restaurant Gdanska for our Welcome Night and Tresohr Studios for the Static Roots Sessions, working with Proust wörter + schönes feels like a natural extension of our festival family.
Marion and Johanna bring the same care and passion to selecting books that we bring to curating our festival lineup. They understand that great stories - whether told through song or prose - have the power to move us, challenge us, and connect us to something larger than ourselves.
Join the Story
If you're interested in any of these remarkable German novels, let us know so Proust wörter + schönes can stock up accordingly. It's another way to support local business while discovering stories that might just feed your soul in a different way.
After all, the best festivals aren't just about the music - they're about the community, the connections, and the stories we share along the way. Whether those stories come from a stage or from the pages of a book, they all have the power to remind us what it means to be human.
Roots music to feed your soul - and now, stories to nourish your mind.
Interested in ordering any of these books? Contact us through our social media channels or reach out directly. Marion and Johanna are ready to help connect you with your next great read.