Der Chor

In light of our present, where nothing seems certain anymore, Anna Katharina Hahn depicts a Stuttgart choir as a mirror of an entire urban society. With sensitivity and relentless honesty, she portrays women from three generations in her new novel – showcasing their strengths and weaknesses, their emotions, their sensitivity, and their ruthlessness.

Finally offline again! Even before the lockdowns, the rehearsal of their women's choir was the highlight of the week for Alice, Marie, and their older friend Lena. After being unable to sing together for far too long, whether behind masks or not at all, they clearly recognize what they have missed. Their friendships have survived the pandemic, but so have their issues with one another. Alice, who is professionally successful in almost everything, struggles with the fact that Marie no longer speaks to her. Meanwhile, Lena, a retired editor, has no illusions about aging.

An open secret is the aversion most of the singers have towards Cora, who lives in precarious conditions and uses the choir to look for jobs. When Sophie, a lonely student, shows up at rehearsals, an emotional upheaval begins. Especially for Alice: Suddenly, she discovers feelings that surprise even her.