Matija Katun und seine Söhne

By Karl Rühmann

A witty and thought-provoking novel about authorship, ambition and what happens when success erases its creator.

Ingmar Saidl, a frustrated teacher and aspiring writer, has faced years of rejection.

On a trip to Istria, he discovers a nearly extinct language — and conceives a daring plan: to write a novel and present it as the translation of a lost literary work.

The deception succeeds beyond expectation. Critics celebrate the “rediscovered classic”, publishers compete for rights, and the book gains international success.

But as the story takes on a life of its own, Ingmar’s authorship slowly disappears. His name vanishes from contracts and covers, his role fades — until the work that was meant to define him no longer belongs to him.

Matija Katun und seine Söhne is a sharp and darkly humorous novel about ambition, identity and the fragile nature of authorship.

Key Facts:

• Publisher: Rüffer und Rub, Zurich (2025)

• Language: German (materials available in EN/FR)

• Genre: Literary Fiction

• Themes: identity and visibility, minority languages, authorship and ownership,

  invented manuscripts

• Rights: Available