Crowds flocked to the debut "White Dinner" event in Harsewinkel, an evening filled with laughter, food, and apparent enjoyment.
In the picturesque garden of the Civic Center in Marienfeld, a unique gathering took place, attracting approximately 40 members and interested parties. The event, aptly named the "White Dinner", aimed to provide a relaxed and sociable gathering, a shared beautiful time.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Martina Bergmann's novel, "The Lady Bookseller". The author, who is also a historian and runs her own bookstore in Rietberg, captivated the audience with her charm and spirit.
"The Lady Bookseller", published in the summer of 2024, tells the story of young Amanda who aspires to take over a bookstore in Bielefeld. The novel is not an autobiography, but Bergmann has admitted to experiencing many of the hurdles depicted in the book on her way to independence.
Amanda, the protagonist, overcomes obstacles with courage, intelligence, and an unshakable belief in her own abilities. In the novel, she founds a modern bookstore, challenging deeply rooted, old-fashioned understandings of gender roles.
The "White Dinner" event also featured musical performances by Rebekka Dück on the piano and Sophia Wilhelms. Wilhelms serenaded the attendees with classics by the Beatles, Abba, Ella Fitzgerald, and Hildegard Knef's "Für mich soll es rote Rosen regnen".
The "White Dinner" was organised by Beate Faupel, Rebecca Höving, Ute Rummel, and Pamela Westmeyer, who is not only a key figure in the event but also a deputy mayor and a mayoral candidate. The event was organised by the Women's Union for exchange and networking.
While specific biographical details about Martina Bergmann and her novel "The Lady Bookseller" are not readily available, the novel is known for its focus on themes of book culture, personal growth, and romance, often set in evocative past settings. For a deeper understanding of Martina Bergmann's career and the novel, consulting the book’s publisher, the author's official website, or literary reviews of the novel would be the best next step.
At the White Dinner event, the conversation extended beyond the books, encompassing topics like lifestyle and home-and-garden, as attendees shared stories about their favorite reading spaces in their homes, inspired by the setting of Amanda's modern bookstore in the novel. The White Dinner, with its blend of literature, music, and discussions, offered a glimpse into the Marienfeld lifestyle, seamlessly merging home-and-garden aesthetics with the charm of a garden gathering.
