Helen Cullen’s reading was a profound experience that stirred introspection and emotion. She showcased brilliance as a writer by questioning my own beliefs through her literature and her presentation of it. Moreover, the reading offered personal insights into Helen Cullen’s writing process, which were delicious food for thought. Moments like exploring life lessons and emphasizing the value of true experiences in a digital age were truly remarkable. I highly recommend attending her readings for a blend of literary excellence and insightful reflections. (Jakob Eisenhardt)
I thoroughly enjoyed Helen Cullen’s reading; it was perfectly structured. Striking a good balance between reading excerpts from her book and sharing personal insights on her life as an author, she seamlessly transitioned, making it easy for listeners to follow. (Malak Hallal)
The reading at the Literaturhaus was a wonderfully enriching event. Ms. Cullen shared a great deal regarding both the practical aspects of writing and how the juxtaposition of past and contemporary Irish culture informed her newest novel. She told the listeners several thought-provoking anecdotes and personal experiences to illustrate her artistic process, as well as the underlying themes she explores in her work. Ms. Cullen also thoughtfully addressed the audience questions with an inviting warmth and humour. Finally, the inclusion of the translation readings added a key edifying element that allowed the audience to experience Cullen's fiction in an interesting new way, and elevated the event from a simple reading to a fabulously informative and inclusive cultural exchange. (Johannes Linnan)
I had a great time at Helen Cullen's reading. Not only did she give an insight into her writing process and into Irish culture, but she was also very funny and perfectly balanced heavy topics and more lighthearted stories. The event was well organized and ended up making me order Helen's first novel which I cannot wait to read. (Nicole Mellin)
I had a blissful evening at Helen Cullen's reading. I learned a lot about Ireland, social and gender issues, and writing literature. But not only was the reading informative, it also loaded with laughter and inspirational thoughts. (Charlotte Menne)
Helen Cullen's reading was enlightening. I enjoyed learning about her motivations for writing and her journey to becoming a published author. Especially interesting were her experiences with her editors and the discussions she had about her use of language and inclusion of Irish culture in the book. I also liked learning about her thoughts on the translations of the English and German texts. Overall, her reading not only delivered a captivating story but also offered valuable insights into her own perspective of the topics that are handled in the novel. (Chantal Dworaczek)
The reading by Helen Cullen was an enriching experience. Engaging with her novel over the past few weeks and gaining insights into her background and writing process added a delightful perspective to the story. The reading also encouraged me to read her first novel. Moreover, Helen Cullen inspired me to write letters to people I care about. Thank you, Prof. Sedlmayr, for organizing this event! (Hülya Uysal)