Philipp Oehmke Discusses New Novel 'Papenburg' with Campino at Berlin and Hamburg Events

Philipp Oehmke will present his second novel, 'Papenburg', in conversation with Campino, the lead singer of Die Toten Hosen. The events are scheduled for September 25 at the Colosseum in Berlin and September 26 at the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg as part of the Harbour Front Literaturfestival. Oehmke, a journalist for Der Spiegel, and Campino have known each other for many years, with Campino typically being interviewed by Oehmke, notably for Oehmke's 2014 biography of Die Toten Hosen. Now, Campino will interview Oehmke, asking probing questions about the novel. 'Papenburg' portrays a disillusioned Western society and follows characters seeking meaning and forgiveness. The story centers on Emilia Papenburg, who leaves her husband Benni and moves to New York with their children, while her parents attempt to reunite the family. Oehmke, born in 1974 in Bonn, studied German literature in Hamburg and earned a master's from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism in 2001. He worked at Süddeutsche Zeitung and has been at Der Spiegel since 2006, leading its New York bureau from 2015 to 2020. His debut novel 'Schönwald' was published in 2023. Campino, born Andreas Frege, founded Die Toten Hosen in 1982 after earlier punk band ZK. He has also acted in films and theater. The article also mentions other literary events and a book market trend.