The Embassy of Switzerland is pleased to partner with Politics & Prose to welcome Swiss author Nelio Biedermann for a conversation about Lázár, his acclaimed debut novel. Biedermann will be joined by Marcellus Rolle, the Embassy’s Head of Communications and Public Diplomacy.
Set in Hungary at the turn of the 20th century, Lázár follows an aristocratic family across generations as war and revolution transform the world around them. At its center is Lajos von Lázár, whose birth unsettles his family and deepens a web of secrets, affairs, and uncanny events. As the decades pass, the Lázárs pursue their desires, endure devastating losses, and search for love and hope amid a changing country.
Inspired by Biedermann’s own family story, the novel traces the rise and fall of an aristocratic family against the backdrop of two world wars. Its intimate portrait of family life becomes a sweeping account of a nation’s history. Patti Smith called Lázár “an exquisite and masterly pronouncement,” while Daniel Kehlmann described it as “astonishing” and “disturbingly dreamlike.”
Born in 2003, Biedermann is from Zurich and studies German literature and film at the University of Zurich. He is also the author of “Anton will bleiben.” First published in Germany, Lázár became an instant bestseller, received the 2025 Favourite Book of Independent Booksellers award, and is being translated into more than 25 languages.
The event is presented in partnership with Politics & Prose. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. For accessibility requests, contact events@politics-prose.com.
When
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
From 7pm
Where
Politics and Prose
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
