Jonas Lüscher's novel "Enchanted Predestination", which was awarded the Wilhelm Raabe Literature Prize 2025, recounts both drastic turning points in world history and the first ideas of an interweaving of man and machine, for example in the form of androids.

Unimagined risks such as surveillance, manipulation, changes in the workplace or the loss of human control present us with major challenges. In the novel, Jonas Lüscher also deals with his own experiences, such as a coronavirus infection that he survived thanks to medical technology. In the novel, Lüscher critically discusses and questions human dependence on technological innovation and encourages us to reflect on the fears or conflicts, but also the dreams that can result for us humans.

Year of science for all

"In the age of artificial intelligence, the boundaries are blurring, revealing both the benefits and the threats of cutting-edge technology. In 2026, the Year of Science is dedicated to the medicine of the future. Together with my team, I would like to look at the associated topics from the perspective of literary studies. In order to involve as many people as possible, we are going out into the city," emphasises organiser Dr Sabrina Huber from the University of Wuppertal.

The literary scholar is delighted to be getting started with Jonas Lüscher and has planned further activities as part of the Year of Science, such as a writing workshop for pupils and students or a reading circle in a gynaecologist's practice. "Anyone who is interested is always welcome to come along," says Huber.

AOK Rheinland/Hamburg is making its event room available for the reading with Jonas Lüscher at the Wuppertal-Elberfeld branch, Bundesallee 265. Admission is from 5.30 pm, the event starts at 6 pm. Admission is free. Due to the limited number of seats, however, a ticket is required, which is available at www.wuppertal-live.de.