Kerstin Specht's debut novel 'Mittelberge' published by Stroux edition

Theater author Kerstin Specht has published her first novel 'Mittelberge' with Stroux edition in Munich, 2026. The 244-page hardcover book tells the story of Sophie, a girl growing up in poverty in an Upper Franconian village during the 1930s. The narrative is structured in short, one- to two-page chapters, each functioning as a self-contained story. Specht, known for her award-winning plays, employs a poetic style interspersed with lyrical passages between chapters. Key characters include Bes and Vetter, who serve as surrogate grandparents to Sophie. The novel opens with a chapter titled 'Kaltwarm' describing Bes and Vetter's lifelong cohabitation in a single room but separate beds. Sophie's backstory includes the death of her brother Robert before her birth, and her own childhood marked by illness. The book explores themes of poverty, fate, and resilience, with nature depicted as both rich and menacing. Specht's theatrical background is evident in her use of vivid imagery and scene-like construction.