Putting Julia Malik into a box is nearly impossible. The Berlin-born artist is an actress, singer and author, known from “Verliebt in Berlin,” “SOKO Köln” and “Tatort.” Her second novel, “Ich will dich lebend,” was published in September.
The SLEEK Art Space quickly filled with avid readers, curious guests and familiar faces. Dr. Ansay joined the event as our health partner, offering insights into simple, digital and accessible healthcare at an on-site info stand. Guests were also welcomed with notebooks and bookmarks, fitting companions for an evening centered around books, conversation and reading.
At the heart of the evening was a conversation between Julia Malik and SLEEK’s Christian Bracht about “Ich will dich lebend,” its characters, storyline and central themes, from violence and conflicting roles to what happens behind closed doors and why leaving certain situations can be so complex. Beyond the novel, the conversation also offered a glimpse into Malik’s life and creative practice.
While readings are not usually part of the SLEEK Book Club format, the audience was eager to hear the novel in Malik’s own voice. To close the conversation, she shared a short excerpt from “Ich will dich lebend”, an intimate and moving end to the exchange.
Over glasses of wine, guests continued discussing the book and its themes. Copies of “Ich will dich lebend” were available to purchase and personally signed by Malik.
The evening captured what the SLEEK Book Club is about: creating a space for literature to be discussed, questioned and carried beyond the page.
