Ian McEwan / Reading

»The Cement Garden« made him famous overnight in 1978. In 1983, author Michael Rutschky wrote in the news magazine »Der Spiegel«, »I hope that Ian McEwan’s books are successful in Germany for one reason in particular: if they are, it would represent a step forward for our civilisation – no more and no less.« Now, 40 years and many fine stories like »Saturday«, »Honey« and »Solar« later, Ian McEwan not only has the well-earned success that Rutschky wished him, he is a celebrated writer all over the world, and many of his novels have been filmed. To mark his 70th birthday his friend and fellow writer Daniel Kehlmann, whom McEwan calls his favourite German novelist, talks to the British writer about his award-winning work. Extracts from Ian McEwan’s are read by one of the most popular German actors, Jan Josef Liefers, who has also recorded audio books of two McEwan novels.