Cologne Book Club

📚 Book

In the next meeting of Cologne book club, we will be discussing The Book of Night Women by Marlon James.

The Book of Night Women is a powerful and haunting novel set on a Jamaican sugar plantation at the end of the eighteenth century. It tells the story of Lilith, a young enslaved woman born into brutality and oppression, who discovers both her extraordinary strength and her connection to a secret network of women plotting rebellion.

Marlon James’s prose is lyrical, raw, and deeply immersive, capturing both the horror and resilience of life under slavery. Through its complex characters and unflinching portrayal of violence, the novel explores themes of power, resistance, identity, and the cost of freedom. The narrative’s use of voice—written in a vivid Jamaican patois—adds authenticity and emotional intensity, drawing readers deeply into its world.

The Book of Night Women is a profound and unforgettable work that examines the intersections of race, gender, and history with unrelenting honesty. James’s storytelling challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while revealing the enduring power of solidarity and defiance. This is a demanding yet deeply rewarding read that will undoubtedly provoke rich discussion.

More information about The Book of Night Women by Marlon James:
🔗 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63842053-the-book-of-night-women

❓How is the next book chosen?
At the end of each session, everyone attending gets the chance to recommend a book. Then, we take a vote, and the book with the most votes will be chosen. If you are attending the meet up, you will be able to decide on the next book.

📍 Venue
We will meet at Kulturraum 405, a wonderful space that provides a cozy and inspiring environment for our book club gatherings. As a small community initiative, they kindly request a voluntary donation of approximately €3 per person to support their ongoing efforts in maintaining the location and ensuring consistent meet ups for us.
For more information check out https://kulturraum405.de

Organiser
Participation for this event is free of charge.
🕦 We will start at 11:30. Please arrive a bit earlier to settle in comfortably.
Your contribution towards the venue is greatly appreciated and will help us maintain a dedicated space for our book club meetings. However, if you are unable to donate, please don't let that discourage you from joining us. Your presence and participation are what truly matter.

Let's make this event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. If you know that you cannot attend, please update your RSVP status accordingly.
⚠️ Please be aware that if you sign up for an event and either fail to show up or cancel at the last minute without notice more than three times consecutively, priority will be given to individuals on the waiting list instead of you.

📚 Book

In the next meeting of the Cologne book club, we will be discussing Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar.

Hopscotch is a groundbreaking and unconventional novel that has become a landmark of modern literature. First published in 1963, it defies traditional narrative structure by offering multiple possible reading paths—inviting readers to quite literally “hopscotch” through its chapters in various sequences. This experimental approach mirrors the novel’s thematic exploration of chance, freedom, and the search for meaning.

At its heart, Hopscotch follows Horacio Oliveira, an Argentine intellectual drifting through life in Paris and later Buenos Aires. Through his relationships, philosophical reflections, and encounters with the bohemian "Club of the Serpent," Cortázar examines the restless human desire for authenticity and deeper understanding. The novel blends humor, melancholy, and intellectual inquiry, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions.

Julio Cortázar’s innovative style challenges readers to engage actively with the text, blurring the boundaries between author and reader, structure and chaos.

Hopscotch offers a dynamic and thought-provoking reading experience that continues to influence writers and captivate audiences. Its bold narrative experimentation and profound thematic depth make it an essential read for anyone interested in the possibilities of literature and the complexities of the human condition.

More information about Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar:
🔗 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48724824-hopscotch

❓How is the next book chosen?
At the end of each session, everyone attending gets the chance to recommend a book. Then, we take a vote, and the book with the most votes will be chosen. If you are attending the meet up, you will be able to decide on the next book.

📍 Venue
We will meet at Kulturraum 405, a wonderful space that provides a cozy and inspiring environment for our book club gatherings. As a small community initiative, they kindly request a voluntary donation of approximately €3 per person to support their ongoing efforts in maintaining the location and ensuring consistent meet ups for us.
For more information check out https://kulturraum405.de

Organiser
Participation for this event is free of charge.
🕦 We will start at 11:30. Please arrive a bit earlier to settle in comfortably.
Your contribution towards the venue is greatly appreciated and will help us maintain a dedicated space for our book club meetings. However, if you are unable to donate, please don't let that discourage you from joining us. Your presence and participation are what truly matter.

Let's make this event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. If you know that you cannot attend, please update your RSVP status accordingly.
⚠️ Please be aware that if you sign up for an event and either fail to show up or cancel at the last minute without notice more than three times consecutively, priority will be given to individuals on the waiting list instead of you.