Heike Geißler wins the Bavarian Book Prize 2025

Suhrkamp Verlag is thrilled to announce that Heike Geißler’s book Despairs has been awarded this year’s Bavarian Book Prize in the non-fiction category.

Following their selection, the jury stated: »Despite the title of Heike Geißler’s book, hope is the main feeling one is left with upon reading it. She presents her desperations, which are the same as ours, and finds ways to overcome them.«

The jury announced their decision on Tuesday, the 28th of October following a live discussion in the presence of the nominees and attendees at the Court Church of All Saints at the Munich Residence. The prize consists of €10,000 as well as a Nymphenburg porcelain figurine.