Maja Nielsen wins Buxtehuder Bulle for gripping GDR novel

Maja Nielsen wins Buxtehuder Bulle for gripping GDR novel

Meißen, Deutschland - There are news that makes the heart of every book lover beat faster! Maja Nielsen, a talented author from Hamburg, was awarded the renowned youth literature award "Buxtehuder Bulle". Her work "The Tunnel Mauer", published by Gerstenberg Verlag, tells a gripping story about brave tunnel escapes from the GDR. The city of Buxtehude near Hamburg has announced this honor, and the official award of the 54th prize is planned for autumn. This price is endowed with 5,000 euros and has been awarded since 1971.

But what makes "the tunnel builder" so special? The story begins in 1961, only shortly after the wall was built, and impressively conveys the drama of that time. Her protagonist Achim, who has freshly graduated from high school and knows a place of study safely, falls in love with Chris, who also develops feelings for him. But the sudden and drastic intervention of the GDR regime brings the two lovers into a desperate location. The author succeeds in an impressive way to capture the dangers and fears that people were confronted with during this time [the Saxons] (https://www.diesachsen.de/kultur/jugendliteraturpreis-fuer-roman-Ueber-Uber-tunnel- 3029239).

The courage to escape

When Achim's friend is arrested, he decides to leave East Berlin. In West Berlin he does everything he can to help others escape from the GDR. The construction of tunnels becomes his new life's work. He lives constantly with the fear of discovery by the Stasi. The book gives the reader a unique insight into life and the challenges associated with such escape campaigns. Here the hope of one day Chris is playing a central role for Achim Tagetpiegel.

Maja Nielsen, born in 1964, made a name for herself not only as a children's book author, but also as a screenwriter, audiobook spokeswoman and radio presenter. She has already received several awards for her literary work, including with the prices Glauser 2025 and top title for boys 2024. She will also read from her work in the literature archive Marbach and at the festival Salto Wordale from her work Gerstenberg Verlag.

a timeless topic

"The Tunnel Mauer" convinces both the youth and adult jury of the youth book award. Nielsen deals with topics that are significant to this day: freedom, courage and striving for change. Her novel, which is based on real events, impressively shows how strong the desire for freedom and security can be. A book that is not only suitable for young readers, but also stimulates adults to think.

The interest in literary works that deal with GDR history is very popular. Maja Nielsen has set an impressive sign with "The Tunnel Mauer" that ensures interdisciplinary substances. With every page it becomes clear that stories of the past can also teach us a lot today.