The author will present her debut novel "Hinter Höfen" on November 4th
Following her book launch at the Frankfurt Book Fair, author Brigitte Morgenroth is now coming to Darmstadt: On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., she will present her debut novel, "Hinter Höfen – Geschichte eines Hundemädchens" (Behind Courtyards – The Story of a Dog Girl), at the Literaturhaus Darmstadt. The book tells the story of a traumatized girl who finds a new home in a village in the Allgäu region in the 1950s. Admission to the reading is free.
Morgenroth, who now lives and works in Darmstadt and Berlin, participated in the Darmstadt Writing Workshop. Her first novel was published in early October by edition federleicht. At the event, she will discuss her work with moderator Michael Hüttenberger and writer Kurt Drawert, head of the Darmstadt Writing Workshop.
An unusual girl in a village in the 1950s
The novel "Hinter Höfen – Geschichte eines Hundemädchens" (Behind Courtyards – Story of a Dog Girl) focuses on the story of little Lili, who grew up among dogs and is taken in by the teacher Greta.
The story takes place in a village in the Allgäu region of Germany in the 1950s. World War II ended only a few years prior, yet its consequences are rarely discussed. The Catholic Church dominates social life, while people's work is dictated by the changing seasons.
In this community steeped in tradition and rigid ideas, the girl's arrival causes unrest. Lili does not meet the villagers' expectations and struggles to find her place in the community.
Greta faces the challenges head-on and fights to give the traumatized child a home and a future. From this unusual encounter, a close relationship develops: the teacher eventually gains a daughter.
The novel was based on the real-life story of a Ukrainian girl.
From the Darmstadt Text Workshop to the Book Fair
Brigitte Morgenroth is one of the former participants of the Darmstadt text workshop, which is led by the writer Kurt Drawert.
With "Hinter Höfen – Geschichte eines Hundemädchens" (Behind Courtyards – The Story of a Dog Girl), she has now published her first novel. The book was released in early October 2026 by the publisher edition federleicht and was already presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
The reading at the Literaturhaus Darmstadt offers an opportunity to get to know the author and her work better. Morgenroth will present her debut novel in conversation with Michael Hüttenberger and Kurt Drawert.
Musical accompaniment with double bass and piano
The literary event will also feature musical performances. Gudrun Lang-Eurisch will accompany the evening on the double bass, and Matthias Schubert on the piano.
The reading will take place on Wednesday, November 4th, at 7:30 pm in the Literaturhaus at Kasinostraße 3. Admission is free.
The most important data
Event: Reading stage with Brigitte Morgenroth
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Start: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Literaturhaus Darmstadt, Kasinostraße 3
Book: "Behind Courtyards - The Story of a Dog Girl"
Author: Brigitte Morgenroth
Publisher: edition federleicht
Interviewees: Michael Hüttenberger and Kurt Drawert
Musical accompaniment: Gudrun Lang-Eurisch (double bass) and Matthias Schubert (piano)
Admission free
