2024-11-19 18:00:00
The rural world and literature don’t touch each other that often. Things are different on a hill in Eberstalzell, Upper Austria. This is where Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker‘s farm is located: at the end of an access road, surrounded by fields. In addition to grains such as oats, some of the most acclaimed books of recent years thrive on the 16 hectares that he is the fourth generation to farm. It’s a good combination for the 41-year-old: because both jobs are about growth, you can do a lot yourself and because he gets back pain when he sits at his desk for too long. Others find the connection just as fruitful. For Burning fields (at S. Fischer) he received the Austrian Book Prize on Monday.
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How does Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker balance his responsibilities as a farmer with his writing career?
**Interview with Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker, Author and Farmer**
**Editor**: Reinhard, your dual life as a farmer and an author is quite unique. Can you tell us how your farming background influences your writing?
**Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker**: Absolutely. Farming teaches you about patience and the cycles of nature, which translates into the rhythms of storytelling. The environment around me inspires a lot of what I write.
**Editor**: You’ve recently won the Austrian Book Prize for your work, *Burning Fields*. How do you see the relationship between rural life and contemporary literature?
**Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker**: I believe there’s a profound connection that’s often overlooked. Rural experiences can provide a depth to narratives that urban settings may not convey as effectively. We need more voices from the countryside in literature; it enriches our understanding of different ways of life.
**Editor**: Many readers feel that contemporary literature often caters more to urban experiences. Do you think this trend is harmful to the representation of rural life in literature?
**Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker**: It’s definitely a concern. When narratives are predominantly urban, we risk losing the rich tapestry of rural stories. It’s essential to showcase the beauty, struggles, and realities of rural communities, which can spark important discussions among readers.
**Editor**: As a reader, do you think literature should reflect more on rural experiences and challenges? How might this shape public perception of the countryside?
**Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker**: That’s a thought-provoking question. The more we highlight rural life in literature, the more we can foster empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between different lifestyles. It can challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue—something I believe is vital today.
**Editor**: Thank you, Reinhard. Your insights certainly invite our readers to reflect on the representation of rural life in literature. Would you agree that this topic could ignite debate among readers about the value of diverse voices in storytelling?
**Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker**: Exactly! I hope this conversation encourages readers to explore and advocate for a wider array of narratives, celebrating both urban and rural experiences in literature.
