"Hello, I'm Juli Zeh and I think it's pretty cool what we're doing here." This is how Zeh opens her more than half-day reading marathon on her book "Unterleuten". Without further ado, the famous author starts with the first chapter of her novel, which was published in 2016. People from politics, culture and society will be taking the microphone at Leipzig's Volksbühne Lindenfels until midday on Thursday. The author kicked things off, followed by dozens of readers taking turns every quarter of an hour. Around 30 people are sitting in the dimly lit hall of the Volksbühne. For an incredible 18 hours, they will have the opportunity to hear the 600-page book read aloud. However, there is no requirement to remain seated for any length of time. Astrid Böhmisch, Director of Leipziger Messe, will be among those taking over a 15-minute reading slot at around midnight. But Leipzig personalities such as zoo director Jörg Junhold and even a simple philosophy and sociology student will also be part of the marathon. Those interested can also follow the reading online in a live stream. Zeh's works such as "Unterleuten", "Über Menschen" and "Zwischen Welten" have sold millions of copies. She lives in a village in Brandenburg and has been a member of the SPD since 2017. In addition to her work as a writer, the doctor of law is also active as an honorary judge at the state constitutional court in Brandenburg. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
