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Rome’s Literary Gathering Hides More Than Poetry and Champagne

Celebrated authors take the stage, but the real drama lies in the shadows. Who’s pulling the strings at Rome’s most intriguing gathering?

In the picture there is a bag and some books on a bed. On the bag it was written library lovers.
In the picture there is a bag and some books on a bed. On the bag it was written library lovers.

Rome’s Literary Gathering Hides More Than Poetry and Champagne

A literary event near me in Rome is bringing together writers, poets, and unexpected intrigue. Hosted by Doris Akrap, the main event includes celebrated names like Kristof Magnusson and Jakob Dreiser. But behind the scenes, a shadowy plan is unfolding.

In the early 1990s, Jakob Dreiser made a name for himself as a rising poet in Rome. Decades later, his reputation still lingers in the city’s literary circles. Meanwhile, Kristof Magnusson, the 2023 recipient of the Villa Massimo’s Rome Prize, will soon release his latest novel, Journey to the End of History, set for February 2026 with Klett-Cotta.

At the same event, the Russian embassy serves Crimean champagne and pirozhki, adding a political edge to the evening. But the real tension comes from an unseen source: Dieter Germeshausen, a former double agent, is plotting one last operation. To pull it off, he needs Dreiser’s identity as cover.

Doris Akrap, a journalist, author, and PEN Berlin board member, oversees the proceedings. Her role as moderator keeps the event running smoothly, unaware of the hidden machinations at play.

The Rome gathering blends literature with covert schemes. Magnusson’s upcoming novel and Dreiser’s poetic past take centre stage, while Germeshausen’s plan remains hidden. For now, the evening continues—with champagne, poetry, and secrets.

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