Romanfabrik e.V.

Two boys on a secret mission: It’s summer in Poland, and finally, finally, they’re going to meet the love of their lives. That’s what the waves of the legendary swimming lake whisper to them as they set off by bus from the dreary provincial town in Masuria in July 1983. But where are they to find their beloved when the world at Morena Beach consists only of fishermen, West German tourists on a grand Eastern European safari, and empty beer bottles? But even under socialism, silent prayers are answered, and suddenly, as if by magic, a girl falls from the sky… and Konrad nearly faints.

With “A Red Brick for Izabella,” Polish-German author Artur Becker has crafted a delightfully funny, romantic retro novel about a first love who comes across as punk and seemingly super-cool—yet remains incredibly shy and tender. At the same time, the story takes readers on a journey into the exciting 1980s, when Poland’s thirst for freedom turned all of Europe upside down.

Host: Christoph Schröder.

Photo: Alex Cio

October 29, 7:30 p.m.

Romanfabrik, Hanauer Landstr. 186, Frankfurt

2-for-1: 16 €

Oct. 29, 6:45–7:15 p.m., box office