NZZ am Sonntag Book Picks: A Magical Picture Book and an Experimental Look at the Present

The NZZ am Sonntag offers two distinct literary recommendations for the week. First, Johanna Schaible's picture book "Good Morning – Good Night" is highlighted for its atmospheric visual storytelling and lyrical prose, which invites children to engage with the elemental experience of changing daylight. Schaible, a Swiss artist, has developed a unique book format that can be read from both sides, fostering a serene perspective on the world's beauty.

Separately, the publication recommends Katja Brunner's latest work, "The Art of the Wound." Brunner, known for her experimental theater background, applies a similar approach to her prose, playfully dissecting contemporary phrases and the essence of Swiss identity. The review notes her ability to fluidly blend the boundaries between people, plants, and inanimate objects, giving voice to diverse elements like rocks and choirs.

Both books are praised for their artistic merit, with Schaible's receiving a five-star rating for its magical and engaging portrayal of nature, and Brunner's lauded for its poetic and political exploration of the present moment with a light, humorous touch. The article emphasizes that these are must-read selections for the week.