- Reading suggestion
- 22 July 2021
Readers of Europe 2021 - Luxembourg recommendation
Readers of Europe - recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Luxembourg to the EU
Book selected: Neubrasilien by Guy Helminger
A work of fiction formed around historical facts, Guy Helminger's book Neubrasilien focuses attention on what drives people to leave their homes in search of a safer, better life.
The book binds together two plotlines centuries apart. Two journeys that spring from the need to rebuild life in another country.
The first is set in the first half of the 19th century. A young, self-confident girl name Josette, along with a group of farmers, have grown weary of life in Luxembourg. Tired of ever changing rulers and poor living conditions, they venture to Brazil in search of opportunity.
Josette's experience is contrasted with that of another young girl 170 years later, a Montenegrin refugee named Safeta. Along with her mother she flees her homeland to move to Luxembourg, following a vague promise, and a hope, of finding something better.
Refugee or migrant, life is not easy for either girl. Foreign lands might not always keep their promises. But these two stories show that people have a constant capacity to persevere through difficult circumstances. What's more, they can even find their own, unexpected home and a new path in life.
An astute look at what community really means, Helminger skilfully captures how universal and generational the reasons for immigration can be.
Although this is a book about immigration, at its core it is also a book about Luxembourg and family life in Luxembourg. Published in German, this choice highlights the linguistic diversity of literature in Luxembourg, with authors writing in French, German, Luxembourgish and increasingly also in English.
For those looking to unearth literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.
About the Readers of Europe campaign - Travel across Europe through literature
Through the long months of winter, in the darkest depths of the pandemic, the thought of travelling again was a guiding light for many sailing towards uncertain shores.
Although people were confined to their homes, many made epic voyages in uncharted lands with the aid of an old friend – a book. For many, books were an invaluable means to help deal with the psycho-social strain of being confined to their homes. Reading has helped people in Europe and around the world to cope with isolation during lengthy lockdowns, and to deal with the uncertainty about the future.
Summer 2021 has a more hopeful feel than last year. The hope is that the ever increasing vaccination rates and the EU Digital COVID Certificate will facilitate the safe and free movement of citizens in the EU.
Even so, situations can change quickly during pandemics. Some people may prefer to have staycations in their country of residence. But whether you are travelling at home or abroad, the Council Library has found a ‘low-cost’ way to enable everyone to visit other European countries.
This summer the Council Library will whisk you away across the continent, moving not only across the member states, but in and out of time as well.
We have once again invited staff from the member states’ permanent representations to the EU to make recommendations for books to read over the summer, for this second edition of our Readers of Europe campaign. This year’s theme is ‘Travel across Europe through literature’.
The literary pit stops on this tour will shine a light on some of Europe’s hidden charms, visiting places that are both eerily familiar and profoundly new. The works selected cover a broad range of genres, from the contemporary to the classic. Stories that penetrate deeply and consume entirely. Stories with strange beauty, nostalgia, mystery and love. Stories that showcase the vast wealth of European literature.
The itinerary is set. No passport is needed to go on this trip. The only carry-ons permitted are books and bookmarks (and maybe a cup of tea).
Join us as we travel across Europe through literature, as we once again encounter Readers of Europe.
For more information about the EU Digital COVID Certificate, please see
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
The Council Library reading room is currently closed. The Info Desk remains open online and will reply to queries by email from Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 16.00.