When does the reading Cool Machine take place?

The event takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Where does the event take place?

The reading takes place in the Sheddachhalle in the Sartorius Quarter, Annastraße 29, 37075 Göttingen.

Who is involved in Cool Machine?

Colson Whitehead presents the novel. Benito Bause reads the German passages, and Piero Salabè guides the evening.

In which languages does the event take place?

The reading and the discussion take place in English and German with summarizing translation.

How much does a ticket cost?

Tickets are available from 22 euros. A discount is available.

What is Cool Machine about?

The novel takes place in 1980s New York and tells the story of Ray Carney, who attempts a risky scheme during the real estate and capitalism boom.

Colson Whitehead reads Cool Machine Göttingen 2026

Name: Cool Machine
Start: 2026-10-10T19:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-10T21:00:00+02:00
Location: Sheddachhalle im Sartorius Quartier

Colson Whitehead brings Cool Machine to Göttingen

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Sheddachhalle in the Sartorius Quarter will become the stage for a special author encounter: Colson Whitehead presents his new novel Cool Machine. The multiple award-winning American writer will be joined by actor Benito Bause, who will read the German passages.

A new voice from the Harlem cosmos

With Cool Machine, Colson Whitehead completes his Harlem series. The novel takes place in 1980s New York, a time of real estate and capitalism boom. At the center is Ray Carney, who attempts a risky scheme. Whitehead combines gangster novel, social analysis, and historical depth into a narrative about ascent, morality, and the temptations of money.

Literary quality between suspense and social critique

Whitehead's work is characterized by remarkable stylistic flexibility. His novels seamlessly switch between realistic representation, allegory, dark humor, and precise social observation. For The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; The Underground Railroad was also awarded the National Book Award.

Cool Machine stands in this tradition of cross-genre linguistic art. The gangster novel becomes a literary tool for making power, capital, racism, and urban change visible. The Harlem trilogy connects historical atmosphere with a modern question: What remains of decency and identity when a city becomes a site of ruthless business?

Reading, conversation, and bilingual atmosphere

The event will take place in English and German. Colson Whitehead will read and discuss his new novel, while Benito Bause takes on the German sections. Piero Salabè will guide the evening, and a summarizing translation will make the conversation accessible to a German-speaking audience.

This creates a reading atmosphere where voice, rhythm, and translation become directly perceptible. The literary experience thrives on the interplay between Whitehead's American original tone and Benito Bause's German stage presence. The intimate author encounter also opens a glimpse into the creation, style, and cultural significance of the novel.

An evening for the international literary scene

Colson Whitehead is one of the defining voices of contemporary American literature. His books transcend the boundaries of individual genres, blending literary invention with historical memory. In Göttingen, there is an opportunity to get to know the conclusion of the Harlem series early in direct exchange with the author.

The audience can expect an English-German reading with discussion, an atmospheric journey into 1980s New York, and insights into the working methods of a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Those who appreciate literary suspense, political resonance, and stylistic sophistication will experience an extraordinary evening of contemporary literature at the Sheddachhalle.

Conclusion

Cool Machine promises a reading of international format: Colson Whitehead, Benito Bause, and Piero Salabè bring a multi-layered gangster novel between New York urban history, moral conflict, and great linguistic artistry to the stage. Literature enthusiasts should experience this author encounter live and discover the conclusion of the Harlem series in a special atmosphere.