Does your lifestyle allow you to read as much as you would like to?

It doesn’t but I make room for it. I wake up one hour before my kids and I read. Or I take books to set and I read between takes.

Is there a particular book that has affected how you lead your life?

Yes. When I read “Krabat” by Otfried Preußler, I was about 11 years old and starting to make my ideas about the world - the different mechanisms of society which frame our ideas of reality. Reading about a secret society of witchcraft and the idea that humans could travel in their dreams the way we do in life. Really unhinged something in me. And ever since, I never wanted to let go of this idea. A reality next to the one we see - parallel and invisible.

What is the most liberating book you have read?

“Long walk to freedom” by Nelson Mandela a an adult and “1984” as a teenager, I remember getting up in class and leaving the room (to the great outrage of my teacher) just because I wanted to make sure I was really not in the book.

What is the most harrowing book you have ever read?

Every book I read about the Holocaust.

What is the best place to read?

I think it’s completely individual, for me maybe sitting under an old tree.

Are you more romance novel or adventure novel?

Romance.

Do you prefer long novels or short stories?

Hm, I love short stories - I remember discovering the ones by Roald Dahl it was a very strong impression. But I do love getting lost in a whole story. And I just started the short stories by Zadie Smith and I love it!

Which book would you like to see adapted to film?

“Women Talking” by Miriam Toews.

The title of a book you always offer as a gift?

Never do things twice…