Reading Circle: Mesut Bayraktar's Aydin is a book discussion held in Montpellier, in the Occitania region of France, at the Maison de Heidelberg. It suits visitors who enjoy talking about literature and who want a window onto contemporary German-language writing while they are in the city.
What the evening involves
The circle is led by Lyris Lawaty and centres on Aydin, a novel by Mesut Bayraktar. Participants obtain and read the book beforehand, so that the conversation can start from the text itself. Regular attendance is not required, and newcomers are welcome, which makes it a reasonable option for a single visit.
About the novel
The book is a biographical search. It follows the life of a man who worked as a guest worker in Germany from 1982 to 1991, before being deported to Turkey. The novel moves through themes of violence, shame, grief, anger and defeat, and it asks what remains of a life that was shaped by migration and by the country that sent it away.
Planning your visit
Because the book must be read before the meeting, allow time to find a copy in advance. For dates, times and any practical details, consult the event page on the Maison de Heidelberg website, which is the venue hosting the circle.
- Where: Maison de Heidelberg, Montpellier, Occitania, France
- Who leads it: Lyris Lawaty
- What to do first: obtain and read Aydin
- Who can join: newcomers and occasional readers, as well as regulars