A Historic Moment for Greenlandic Literature at the Frankfurt Book Fair
Last week, the Frankfurt Book Fair witnessed a groundbreaking event as Greenlandic literature took center stage for the very first time. The German publisher Inuit Verlag, in collaboration with the Greenland Authors’ Association, made history by featuring a reading in Greenlandic—a moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
At the heart of this landmark occasion was author Lana Hansen and Laali Lyberth, who heads Inuit Verlag. Together, they presented Hansen’s book “Sila,” originally brought to life by Milik Publishing and now available in German thanks to Lyberth’s efforts.
The Frankfurt Book Fair, which ran from October 15 to 19, saw Inuit Verlag and Kalaallit Atuakkiortut sharing a vibrant joint stand, showcasing a diversity of Greenlandic literature that ranges from children’s stories to contemporary novels.
Laali Lyberth, the driving force behind Inuit Verlag and a native of Greenland, has established her publishing house in Daun, Germany. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between Greenlandic narratives and the vast German-speaking audience, which encompasses over 100 million readers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In a statement, Kalaallit Atuakkiortut highlighted how this partnership paves the way for further translations and enhances the visibility of Arctic voices on the global stage.
Inuit Verlag’s journey commenced with “Sila,” set to be followed by two intriguing titles: Maria Bach Kreutzmann’s “GROENLANDICA Bestiarium” and Sørine Steenholdt’s “Zombie Nunaat.” Both upcoming works are being supported by the Nordic translation pool, of which Kalaallit Atuakkiortut is a key distributor in Greenland.
The fair, one of the largest literary gatherings globally with nearly a quarter of a million visitors, created a memorable backdrop for celebrating Greenlandic authorship. The involvement of Lana Hansen, endorsed by the authors’ association, adds another layer to this significant moment in literature.
In the midst of this literary renaissance, Inuit Verlag aims to keep the spirit of Greenlandic culture alive, one translation at a time. The collaborative efforts not only promote existing works but also nurture an ongoing dialogue about the rich storytelling traditions of the Arctic, ensuring they resonate far beyond their indigenous landscapes.