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Mareice Kaiser vs. Hanno Sauer: Class writing debate at re:publica

opinion-review · 2026-05-22

At the re:publica conference, authors Mareice Kaiser and Hanno Sauer discussed writing about class from a privileged position. Sauer revealed his book advance of €160,000, sparking debate. Marlen Hobrack, a writer from a working-class background, critiques the hypocrisy of upper-class authors profiting from class discourse. The event highlights tensions around authenticity and economic disparity in the literary world.

Key facts

  • Mareice Kaiser and Hanno Sauer discussed class at re:publica.
  • Hanno Sauer revealed a €160,000 book advance.
  • Marlen Hobrack critiques upper-class authors writing about class.
  • Hobrack is the daughter of a Wurstwarenfachverkäuferin.
  • The debate centers on who can legitimately write about class.
  • Social media has made author incomes more transparent.
  • The literary world historically avoided discussing earnings.
  • Hobrack's perspective comes from a working-class background.

Entities

Artists

  • Mareice Kaiser
  • Hanno Sauer
  • Marlen Hobrack

Institutions

  • re:publica
  • der Freitag

Locations

  • Germany

Sources