John le Carré in Bonn: Reading from A Small Town in Germany


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A literary evening between espionage, history, and Bonn's memory
At the Rheinhotel Dreesen on September 6, 2026, the great espionage novel meets the vibrant conversation culture of the present. Under the title Spies & Writers: “A Small Town in Germany”, Denis Scheck and Dietmar Bär dedicate themselves to one of the most prominent novels by John le Carré – with readings, discussions, and musical accompaniment.
John le Carré and the dark elegance of the genre
John le Carré is considered the master of the intelligent espionage novel. A Small Town in Germany was published in 1968 and shifts the tension of the Cold War into a Bonn that is both a seat of government, a diplomatic hub, and a literary resonance space. It is precisely this connection between political reality and narrative precision that makes the text so appealing to this day.
Denis Scheck and Dietmar Bär read Bonn anew
Denis Scheck brings literary critical sharpness to the evening, while Dietmar Bär contributes the voice and presence of an actor. When both speak about spies, writers, and the atmosphere of the novel, a literary experience emerges that cleverly combines analysis and entertainment. The reading atmosphere promises closeness to the text while also providing a broad view of the literary quality of the work.
Rheinhotel Dreesen as a fitting venue
The Rheinhotel Dreesen in Bonn-Bad Godesberg carries history within its walls. As a venue for an author encounter with John le Carré, the house enhances the impact of the evening: a view of the Rhine, an elegant hotel backdrop, and a place that invites conversations with cultural depth. The connections via Bonn, Bad Godesberg, and the Rhine waterfront make the visit practically pleasant.
Why this evening is relevant
The novel looks back at the British enclave in Bonn during the 1960s, at secret dossiers, political tension, and the quiet unrest of a city in transition. Those who want to not only read literature but experience it within a cultural context will find an evening here rich with substance, linguistic art, and contemporary relevance.
Conclusion: This evening combines literary expertise, Bonn's city history, and the fascination of the espionage novel. Anyone wanting to experience John le Carré in a lively reading and discussion should mark this date at the Rheinhotel Dreesen.
Official channels of John le Carré:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjohnlecarre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realjohnlecarre
- Website: https://johnlecarre.com/
- Publisher: no official profile found










