German Writer Siegfried Lenz Dies at 88

By Hannah Johnson

German writer Siegfriend Lenz died on Tuesday, October 7 at the age of 88, announced his publisher Hoffmann und Campe.

Lenz was a leading literary figure in post-War Germany. He wrote 14 novels, 120 short stories, and his work was translated into over 30 languages. His most successful books include Deutschstunde (The German Lesson, 1968), Heimatmuseum (The Heritage, 1978), and Schweigeminute (A Minute’s Silence, 2008).

Thomas Ganske, publisher and long-time friend of Lenz, said: “We went fishing together and talked about his books and his plans . . . What’s left is the memory of a unique friendship, of a great man and, as proof of that, his books.”

For his writing, Lenz received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade and the Goethe Prize from the City of Frankfurt.

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.