In this special edition, the focus shifts away from current news to the realm of literature. With the collaboration of Brussels-based author Irina Papancheva and Stefan Grobe, several reading suggestions for the extended weekend are offered.
Bulgarian author Irina Papancheva began keeping journals at nine years old and has since published seven books, including Brussels Naked — an experimental novel composed of twelve interconnected tales, each titled after a district in Brussels.
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In this exclusive Easter Sunday episode, Irina Papancheva and Stefan Grobe gather behind the Brussels, My Love? microphones to present their literary picks for the Catholic Easter holiday.
Brussels, Naked by Irina Papancheva: An exploration of life inside the EU bubble and Brussels
Brussels Naked stands as Papancheva’s newest work. It follows Iris, a young Bulgarian journalist who arrives in Brussels as an intern at the European Parliament.
From nude spas to extravagant cocktail events, the novel portrays Brussels in its full unpredictability: “Several characters encounter vastly different realities. They reveal how Brussels can be harsh, yet simultaneously captivating and magical,” Papancheva comments.
Lázár: A Novel by Nelio Biedermann: Unveiling Hungarian history
Written by Nelio Biedermann, born in 2003, this book chronicles the story of a Hungarian noble family across the twentieth century.
The narrative blends familial relationships and historical events in the debut novel by this Swiss author of Hungarian descent.
“It’s a compelling tale, and one wonders how someone only 23 years old can possess such reading depth to express this so authentically,” Grobe remarked.
The Enlargement by Robert Menasse: Reflections on Europe’s future
In the Austrian author Menasse’s novel, themes of friendship, political maneuvering, and history are intricately woven together.
“Menasse excels in witty, ironic writing,” Grobe notes.
This novel probes fundamental issues regarding European identity and politics, described by Grobe as essential reading for those immersed in the EU sphere.
Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America’s Cold War Prophet by Edward Luce: Insights into the United States
Turning attention slightly away from the European Union, this biography covers Zbigniew Brzezinski, who served as national security advisor under President Jimmy Carter.
The Iran hostage crisis and America’s global role at the Cold War’s conclusion provoke analyses that often mirror current geopolitical challenges.
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Additional sources • Georgios Leivaditis, sound editing and mixing.