Tupoka Ogette: Trotzdem zuhause

“This is how my story begins. As the daughter of a white woman and a Black man. Between Sange, southern Tanzania, and Gera, Thuringia. Between colonial past and GDR dictatorship.”

In her new book “Trotzdem zuhause” (2026, Penguin Verlag), Tupoka Ogette writes about the search for belonging, about living in contradiction, in between. She tells of growing up as a black child in the GDR, of flight and loss, of abuse, body shaming, and violent relationships, but also of love, motherhood, resilience, and self-empowerment. She writes about the friendships she makes and those she loses. About starting over in West Germany. And about finding calm in the storm.

A memoir of great clarity—haunting, poetic, and deeply human.

On March 25, she will be a guest at the Schauspielhaus der Münchner Kammerspiele with her book and her stories.

“It is rare to read texts written with such an open, honest heart. Tupoka Ogette tells of life and survival in Germany. Of struggle and triumph. Of despair and hope. A masterclass in what simultaneity means.” – Alice Hasters

“This book is the narrative without which the history of German reunification is incomplete.” – Daniel