Home – The Return

• A critique of one’s homeland from someone who loves it.
• An atypical regional novel—both critical and affectionate.
• A tribute to Southwest Styria, with its cuisine and the famous Schilcher wine.

This novel is a heartfelt sequel to the previous book of the same name, which, God willing, will conclude as a trilogy in 2027.

Following the huge success of HEIMAT, we return to St. Vinzenz: The story continues, exploring village life amid tradition, upheaval, and the pitfalls of community life. A poet returning home—a celebrated “son” of the village—holds up a mirror to the people; a theater-obsessed pastor finds himself caught up in forbidden feelings; Josefa Klug becomes a mother at 91, a Syrian innkeeper takes over the Auhof, old customs are celebrated, and new conflicts arise. At the wedding, the bride is stolen, and at the pig dance, the pig’s head is snatched. The youth demand honest answers, and climate concerns weigh heavily. But the wine is good and cold, and in St. Vinzenz, after all, it has always been said: We have neither fear nor money—and we carry on. Just like yesterday. Only different.