As Slovenia takes centre stage as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, its literature is gaining global attention — and so are the women writing it. From powerful novels and poetry to children’s stories, essays, and experimental forms, Slovenian female authors are not only present — they’re leading the conversation.
Frankfurt 2025 is shining a long-overdue spotlight on women’s voices in Slovenian literature, offering the world a fresh look at the country’s literary landscape through a more inclusive and diverse lens.
Table of Contents
Herstory
Slovenia has long had a rich tradition of women in literature, but many of these voices have often been underrepresented internationally. That’s changing now. Thanks to increased translation funding, literary awards, and visibility through global events like Frankfurt 2025, Slovenian women authors are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
This year’s showcase isn’t just about established names — it’s also a platform for emerging voices, genre-bending artists, and writers challenging social and cultural norms.
Featured Authors
Drago Jančar may be one of Slovenia’s most recognised writers, but at Frankfurt 2025, women authors are taking the lead. Here are some of the most talked-about names featured this year:
- Anja Mugerli – Winner of the EU Prize for Literature, known for her subtle short stories exploring tradition, silence, and generational gaps.
- Brina Svit – Writing in both French and Slovenian, her novels navigate identity, exile, and self-reinvention.
- Nataša Kramberger – A novelist and journalist known for eco-writing and cross-border storytelling.
- Katja Perat – A sharp poetic voice and novelist with a bold feminist perspective and philosophical depth.
- Ana Schnabl – Psychologist-turned-writer whose fiction explores memory, desire, and personal freedom.
- Taja Kramberger – A poet, essayist, and public intellectual whose work challenges systems of power.
- Veronika Simoniti – Author of prize-winning short stories, exploring family history and female subjectivity.
- Jana Bauer – A bestselling children’s author whose books have been translated widely in Europe.
These writers span generations and genres, but they share a common thread: a fearless, authentic voice that refuses to be boxed in.
Frankfurt Highlights
Slovenian female authors are front and centre at this year’s book fair — both on stage and in print. Key events include:
- Panel: Women Writing Europe – Featuring Brina Svit and Katja Perat in discussion with German and French authors.
- Reading: Anja Mugerli in Translation – A bilingual reading of stories from her EU Prize-winning collection.
- Workshop: Writing the Body – An interactive session with Ana Schnabl and Taja Kramberger on feminist literature.
- Children’s Corner – Special readings and activities based on Jana Bauer’s Scary Fairy series, now available in German.
- Feminist Press Roundtable – Slovenian publishers discuss new strategies for promoting women writers globally.
These appearances are helping to amplify Slovenia’s female literary talent — not just for Frankfurt, but for future international opportunities.
Themes and Trends
Slovenian women authors explore a wide range of themes — often through a deeply personal, feminist, or philosophical lens. Some common topics include:
- Intergenerational trauma
- Female identity and resistance
- Eco-literature and climate consciousness
- Love, sexuality, and memory
- Migration, language, and exile
- Political and social critique
These are not quiet stories — they’re bold, reflective, and unafraid to ask hard questions.
Slovenian Female Authors to Watch at Frankfurt 2025
| Author | Genre | Key Work |
|---|---|---|
| Anja Mugerli | Short fiction | Bee Family |
| Brina Svit | Literary fiction | Con Brio |
| Katja Perat | Novel/poetry | The Masochist |
| Ana Schnabl | Fiction/essays | Disentangling |
| Nataša Kramberger | Eco-fiction | Heaven in a Blackberry Bush |
| Jana Bauer | Children’s books | Scary Fairy series |
| Veronika Simoniti | Short stories | Ivana Before the Sea |
| Taja Kramberger | Poetry/criticism | Mobilis in Mobili |
Impact Beyond the Fair
Frankfurt 2025 is opening new doors for Slovenian women writers:
- Translation deals into German, French, Spanish, and English
- Festival invitations across Europe
- Spotlights in literary magazines and book reviews
- Greater visibility in academic and feminist circles
Slovenia’s literary scene is becoming more balanced and globally relevant — and its female authors are leading the charge.
This isn’t a token showcase — it’s a cultural reset. One where women’s stories, perspectives, and artistry take their rightful place on the world stage.
Frankfurt 2025 proves that Slovenia’s literature is not only powerful, but deeply diverse — and its women writers are at the very heart of that story.
FAQs
Who are top female authors from Slovenia?
Writers like Anja Mugerli, Brina Svit, and Katja Perat.
Will women writers be featured at Frankfurt?
Yes, many are leading events, panels, and readings.
What themes do they write about?
Identity, feminism, memory, resistance, and environment.
Are their books available in translation?
Yes, many are now translated into German and English.
Will they appear in other events post-Frankfurt?
Yes, many will be featured in festivals and talks globally.
