BookLove Festival Zurich 2025: Literary Insights
Orell Füssli hosted the second edition of the BookLove Festival Zurich 2025 at the iconic Bernhard Theater. This sold-out literary event featured bestselling authors Bonnie Garmus, Chris Whitaker, Cecelia Ahern, Nele Neuhaus and Steven Schneider, who shared valuable insights into their lives as writers with around 400 attendees.
BookLove Festival in Zurich, Switzerland
Photo Courtesy of Sheryl Fischer
Whether you are a writer, an avid reader or a book enthusiast, the Swiss bookstore Orell Füssli hosted an enriching event in the heart of Zurich. In only its second edition, the event was sold out, showcasing the excitement for this much-needed literary gathering in Zurich. Just like last year, when the festival featured authors like Jenny Colgan, Richard Osman, Charlotte Wood, Yvonne Eisenring and Nelio Biedermann, this year’s lineup did not disappoint. The BookLove Festival, held at the Bernhard Theater in the heart of Zurich near Bellevue, featured Bonnie Garmus, Chris Whitaker, Cecelia Ahern, Nele Neuhaus and Steven Schneider, who spoke to around 400 attendees about their lives as writers.
The BookLove Festival was established to promote reading and the Swiss literary scene, creating a space for exchange between writers and readers. It offers a platform for both national and international voices. This event is part of the over 700 events and exhibitions that Orell Füssli organizes annually, providing a significant platform for authors.
BookLove Festival Zurich 2025: Insights into Writing from Renowned Authors
Moderator Sarah Christen guided the stage discussions, where the guests shared insights into their writing and creative processes. How do their stories come to life? Where do they find inspiration? Cecelia Ahern, Chris Whitaker, Nele Neuhaus, Bonnie Garmus, and Zurich-based Steven Schneider discussed their personal experiences, challenges and the creation of their works, sharing what writing means to them.
Moderator Sarah Christen with authors Cecilia Ahern and Chris Whitaker
Sarah Christen with Bonnie Garmus
Sarah Christen with authors Nele Neuhaus and Steven Schneider
The evening opened with Irish bestselling author and screenwriter Cecelia Ahern, joined by Chris Whitaker, known for his thrillers. Ahern gained global fame with works like P.S. I Love You and Love, Rosie. She explained that she does not see her novels primarily as love stories, but rather as narratives about people embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Her conversation partner, English writer Chris Whitaker, openly discussed his difficult childhood and explained that every word must be perfect before he publishes a book – a process that takes about five years.
On stage, German crime writer Nele Neuhaus followed, alongside Swiss author Steven Schneider. Schneider debuted his novel Die schnellste Frau der Welt in 2025 and described the challenge of not getting too lost in details during his research. Nele Neuhaus explained that real criminal cases only serve as inspiration for her, but never make their way directly into her novels.
The five authors at this year’s BookLove Festival (from left to right): Nele Neuhaus, Cecilia Ahern, Bonnie Garmus, Chris Whitaker and Steven Schneider
The evening concluded with American author Bonnie Garmus, who rose to global prominence with her bestselling debut novel Lessons in Chemistry. The book was praised for its realistic portrayal of women in the academic world of the 1950s and 1960s, earning recognition even within the scientific community. In her conversation with Sarah Christen, she shared that her protagonist, Elizabeth, helped her develop more self-confidence and the courage to stand up for herself. After the stage program, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the authors, take photos and have their books signed.
Attendees meeting the authors, taking photos and having their books signed
Attendees purchasing books from the authors featured at this year’s BookLove Festival
Through the insights of the five authors, attendees gained valuable perspectives on the world of writing. The BookLove Festival serves as an enriching platform to promote the literary scene in Zurich, showcasing both national and international voices. More than just an event, it is an inspiring space for writers and readers to unite, connect and share their passion for the written word.