SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023, 1:00–2:00 PM AT KULTURHUS SYD, HOVMARKEN 7, HELSINGØR
The European Capital of Culture initiative also focuses on the development of residential areas through cultural activities. That is why we are pleased to be collaborating with Boliggaarden to help kick off the Vapnagaard Neighborhood Festival with a literary visit by Sara Rahmeh.
In May, Sara made her debut as a novelist with the book *Betonhjerter*. She will read from it aloud, but we will also have the chance to hear her recite poetry from the collection *Langt væk og lige om hjørnet*.
Aslak Gottlieb interviews her about the inspiration she drew as a writer from growing up among the apartment blocks in Taastrupgaard.
After the talk, Sara will sign books and chat with anyone who’d like to. Admission is free—everyone is welcome. You’re also welcome to join the neighborhood party, which starts right after the talk at 2 p.m.
Sarah Rameh is a Danish author, poet, improvisational actor, and playwright. She is known for her impact as a poet and now also as a novelist with Alpha Publishing, which has previously published her poetry.
PRESS RELEASE FROM ALPHA PUBLISHING, MAY 2023
Concrete Hearts
Concrete hearts, human destinies, spices, and stories …
Author, poet, improvisational actor, and playwright Sara Rahmeh offers a unique insight into what it’s like to grow up in the projects in her debut novel *Betonhjerter* (Concrete Hearts).
I know what people say about my home. It should be torn down and replaced with
senior housing and outdoor exercise facilities for new mothers with strollers. A
Starbucks would also be a nice touch. And more colors. Anything but gray. They see the satellite dishes
on the balconies as satellite receivers with a direct link to ISIS.Hey there, ISIS, it's me again.
From the book *Concrete Hearts*
When are we going to overthrow Danish democracy?
That'll teach those infidels!
Yasmin lives in the Block. Between the Bazaar, the playground, the hookah café, and concrete walls. The Block is filled with people’s lives, poetry, and stories waiting to be told. If you ask Yasmin, she’ll tell you the truth about the place where she grew up. About Abdulrahman, who used to be called Rasmus, Namaste Niels, and Tania. About Malik with the brown eyes, the halal ladies, and maybe the story of her mama.
Sara Rahmeh has been keeping diaries since she was 9 years old. A few years ago, she dug them out and started rereading them, and she ended up sitting there crying and laughing over memories from Taastrupgård, where she grew up:
“It made me want to write a novel about my first home, because it’s rarely the kind of home we read about in Denmark, unless it’s on the front page of the newspaper with a sensational headline that stirs up controversy. *Concrete Hearts* is my ode to the western suburbs, a sort of *Vangede Pictures* with an extra kick. A novel about growing up, for better or worse. A gallery of human stories that I think deserve their place in Danish literature,” says Sara Rahmeh, continuing:
“The neighborhood in the book is a fictional place, but the stories about the sense of community among the neighbors, the gossiping women who scrutinize you from head to toe, and the blending of cultures come from my memories and diaries. I wrote *Betonhjerter* for those who have never felt seen in a Danish novel. I hope they can see a little of themselves in my story. I wrote Betonhjerter because I’m proud of my upbringing, even though the outside world has hurled prejudices at me throughout my life. I let go of those prejudices while writing the book. I’m proud of my upbringing and my home, and the people I’ve met along the way have made such a deep impression on me that the result was a book.”
Growing up with and within two cultures has left its mark on Sara Rahmeh:
“Two cultures are better than one. I’m proud of both, and I can make fun of both; both have disappointed me and made me happy. The best thing I know about Arab culture is the sense of community and the way family is valued. What I love about Danish culture is that people talk about things, even the things that hurt. And of course, gravy… lots of gravy. On everything.”
