With Clipperton and The Wound Closest to the Sun, Berger delves into the moral intricacies of history and the enduring resilience of the human soul.
This spring, history is brought vividly to life as Karl Berger—an author whose work is shaped by lived memory and deep empathy—joins the LA Times Festival of Books for a special two-hour book signing session on Sunday, 27th April 2025, from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Inks and Bindings stand (#930).
Born in Munich in 1941, Karl Berger represents one of the last generations with first-hand recollections of the Second World War. His childhood in post-war Germany—and the long shadow cast by his nation’s most harrowing era—imbues his novels with a striking authenticity and emotional richness. Now residing in the United States and retired from a distinguished career as a paediatrician, Berger dedicates his writing to examining the weight of history, personal identity, and moral responsibility.
During his signing session, visitors to the Inks and Bindings stand will be able to receive complimentary signed copies of his first two novels: Clipperton and The Wound Closest to the Sun. German-language editions of both books will also be on hand throughout the two-day festival.
Berger’s debut novel, Clipperton, begins as an unpredictable adventure, but gradually transforms into a profound meditation on inherited guilt and the harrowing legacy of Auschwitz. His follow-up, The Wound Closest to the Sun, tells a heart-wrenching story of wartime love between a German soldier and a French woman—tragically caught in the rise of anti-Semitic oppression and the swell of resistance.
Each book serves as a stirring reminder of humanity’s resilience and the urgent need to face historical truths with courage and clarity. Berger’s third novel, Encroachment of Old Catastrophe, though yet to be published, continues this exploration through a more autobiographical perspective—portraying a post-war generation grappling with their heritage, questioning their parents’ choices, and striving to reconcile through remembrance.
Festival-goers are warmly invited to stop by Inks and Bindings at Stand #930 during the LA Times Festival of Books, held from 26–27 April 2025 at the University of Southern California. Situated in the Black Zone, the stand will offer an inspiring selection of literary works. For the full programme, including event details and scheduling, please visit: https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/.
To explore more titles from Inks and Bindings, attendees and readers alike can browse the complete collection of books featured at this year’s festival by visiting: https://inksandbindings.com/latfobbooks2025/. Additional highlights, author spotlights, and behind-the-scenes insights are also available in their latest magazine issue here: https://inksandbindings.com/latfob-magazine/.
