About us
Exploring masterpieces and overlooked gems of 20th century literature from around the world!
Love great books and great conversation? Join a friendly, inclusive book club dedicated to reading and discussing literature in English in Zurich.
This group explores the extraordinary 100 years between 1900 and 1999 through novels, short fiction, and the ideas, cultures, and upheavals that shaped them. The 20th century saw two world wars, revolutions, the rise and fall of empires, radical political movements, huge leaps in science and technology, and sweeping changes in how people lived, worked, and understood the world. Writers and artists spent the century trying to make sense of all of it, and we will too.
We will read a mix of well-known masterpieces and more overlooked gems. The goal is not to recreate a dusty high-school reading list. It is to build a lively, thoughtful, wide-ranging reading culture that reflects the true richness of 20th century literature.
Diversity is central to this group. We will feature women writers as often as men and explore works from across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and beyond. Expect a mix of styles, countries, traditions, and perspectives.
We will meet at a coffee shop in central Zurich and discuss not only the books themselves, but also the history, culture, and politics of the worlds they came from. We will meet every six weeks to begin with, giving everyone enough time to read each selection properly and come to the discussion prepared; the schedule can of course be reviewed later as the group develops. All books and discussions will be in English, which means that many of the works we read will be read in translation, although anyone who speaks the original language is very welcome to read the text in that language instead. To get the club started, the organizer will propose an initial reading list, and once the group is up and running, members will help shape future selections through a nomination and voting process.
This is a group for people who want to read seriously without taking themselves too seriously. You do not need a literature degree or academic background. You just need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to read one book every six weeks and join in a lively, respectful discussion.
People from all walks of life are welcome. What matters is that you read the book, bring your thoughts, and take part in the conversation.
If that sounds like your kind of group, join us!
Upcoming events
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