Reading and Discussion With the German Book Prize Winner 2026

„Die Lücken“ by Shida Bazyar

Heimesbach, a fictional town in the Hunsrück region, serves as a microcosm for nearly a century of German history, reflected through the personal experiences of both its long-time residents and those who have moved there. What is missing from the chronicle of this former "model Nazi village"—and from official narratives—are not only the things left unsaid or suppressed, but, above all, the perspectives of girls and women. Shida Bazyar fills these gaps with a panorama of interconnected lives, using this representative setting to craft a regional history that also serves as a cautionary tale about change and continuity. The author was awarded the Protected content Book Prize for this work.