Constantin Lieb's Debut Novel "Wildboden" Explores Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's Final Years

Constantin Lieb has released his debut novel, "Wildboden," which centers on painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and his companion, Erna Schilling, during their 1936 exile in Frauenkirch, Switzerland. The story delves into their seclusion amid the political unrest in Germany, which puts a strain on their relationship, particularly affecting Erna. Despite her attempts to assist Kirchner, who battles addiction, she is unable to avert disaster. Drawing from Lieb's extensive research, the novel reflects on modern social challenges and scrutinizes Erna's lack of preparedness for National Socialism. Lieb, a member of both the German and European Film Academies, has previously won the Grimme Prize and received a nomination for the German Film Prize. A reading tour is scheduled from October 1 to December 2, 2023, in various cities.