Markus Thielemann's Novel Nominated for German Book Prize

Thielemann's 'Von Norden rollt ein Donner' explores the complexities of rural life in West Germany.

The novel follows 19-year-old Jannes, a shepherd in the Lüneburg Heath, who is set to inherit his family's farm.
Thielemann's narrative delves into the intersection of tradition and modernity, highlighting rural life challenges and social media influences.
The story is infused with sensory details, allowing readers to experience Jannes' world through vivid descriptions of his surroundings and daily life.
Themes of family, military influence, and unspoken emotional struggles are central to the plot, with Jannes grappling with his adoptive father's illness and his biological father's mysterious past.
The book is part of a shortlist for the prestigious German Book Prize, with the winner to be announced on October 14 in Frankfurt.