is it possible for Caroline Wahl to amass wealth through tale-telling about impoverished circumstances?
Caroline Wahl, a German author whose work has sparked both admiration and controversy, found herself in the limelight once again last year. Despite the success of her book 'Die Assistentin,' which reached the number one spot on the bestseller list immediately after publication, Wahl was not nominated for the prestigious German Book Prize. This omission led to a public expression of her anger on Instagram.
The criticism of Wahl's work is not new. Some accuse her of creating uncreative and kitschy stories, while others claim she romanticizes poverty. Her female protagonists always end up in relationships with men, a point that has not gone unnoticed. Critics also argue that her sentences often leave readers cringing rather than moved.
However, some suspect misogyny in the criticism of Wahl's work. With her simple yet flat style, she has managed to captivate a wide audience, selling millions of copies of her books. This success, combined with the lack of nominations for major literary awards, has led to speculation that her work is being unfairly judged.
In response to the criticism and the lack of nominations, Wahl has expressed her desire to win the German Book Prize. In a bid to achieve this, she wrote the continuation of her book '22 Bahnen,' published in 2023 and adapted into a film. Interestingly, Wahl herself wrote the continuation, titled 'Windstärke 17,' which continues the story of '22 Bahnen.'
'Die Assistentin' will be in cinemas since September 4, 2025. As Wahl continues to write and publish her work, the debate surrounding her literary style and the perceived bias in literary awards will undoubtedly continue. Only time will tell if Wahl's desire to win the German Book Prize will be realised.
