Jens Kastner: "Fat Koi"

On February 21, 2026, Asia journalist Jens Kastner will read from his novel "Fette Kois: How a German Addict Reinvents Himself in Taiwan." Between culture shock and new beginnings. Dürer, whose real name is Olaf Gerdes, is an anti-hero, as described in the book. Childhood trauma, drug addiction, and little hope for a better future. However, one night in a Berlin techno club connects him with two young Taiwanese women and sparks an idea: escape from everyday life and become an English teacher in Taiwan! Dürer hopes for a fresh start, far away from the problems he can't manage at home. He successfully makes the restart in Asia: from troubled individual to kindergarten English teacher and then on to journalism. - A chance encounter that changes everything: an adventure story between trauma, addiction issues, and hope - A gripping novel about a second chance and the courage to leave everything behind - A departure into a new life: what awaits Dürer in Taiwan and how he surpasses himself - A New Adult book about new beginnings, culture shock, and life-changing decisions. Author Jens Kastner has worked as a journalist in Taiwan for 15 years. His articles have been published by renowned newspapers such as the Financial Times, Nikkei Asia, Al Jazeera, and the South China Morning Post. "An unusual story, full of exciting information about Taiwan and authentically told": Andreas Landwehr, former head of the Beijing office of the German Press Agency (dpa).