Reading with Musical Interludes
You might be wondering, “Does she really have to write a book too?” Yes, she did. Because when Saskia van Wijnkoop finally found the time to respond to the six letters her grandfather had written to her when she was very young and unaware of life and writing, she encountered so many surprising and overwhelming discoveries that she could only cope by giving them air in the form of a novel. The result is a gripping, fast-paced family saga that catapults you from the canals of Amsterdam straight into the Bernese Alps.

The author, Saskia van Wijnkoop, whose voice you might recognize from Bernese radio stations and newspapers, will read excerpts from her literary debut, offer fascinating insights behind the scenes of her research, and weave her texts into an entertaining literary-musical performance full of jazzy groove using her trombone.

After the reading, there will be an opportunity to talk with the author, buy a book, and have it personally signed.

About the Book
Why didn’t her grandfather return to Amsterdam after his tuberculosis treatment in Switzerland? Why did his children never meet their Dutch grandparents? What is the story behind the letters her grandfather wrote to the author until his death? To solve the many mysteries surrounding her Amsterdam grandfather, Saskia van Wijnkoop scoured archives across the Netherlands and Switzerland, visited key locations, and interviewed contemporary witnesses. In the process, she discovered not only unexpected crimes and secret political missions, but also the consequences of Switzerland’s denaturalization policies for her family.

With a fast-paced narrative style, the author recounts the politically charged history of her Dutch ancestors, explores the special bond between granddaughter and grandfather, unveils century-old family secrets, and questions the relationship between social justice and art. This autofictional novel is an ode to love and a stand against forgetting, beyond discipline and appearances. Finally having time. Endlessly.

Filterlos oder die Reparatur der Vaterlinie is Saskia van Wijnkoop’s first novel and will be published in March 2026 by Zytglogge Verlag.



Start: 5.30 pm - duration approx. 60 minutes without pause
The musical reading will take place in the Davinet Salon.
No registration required, free entry (collection).


Would you like to have dinner afterward at the Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades"?
Reservations are recommended. Book your table here or call +41 (0)33 952 25 25.

Discover our Giessbach Dinner!
Enjoy a regional and seasonal 4-course dinner created by our chef for CHF 79.00
per person. We also serve classic dishes from our menu.


Arrival: You can find all current and relevant travel information on our website.