SWR Bestenliste November 2026: Paulus Hochgatterer takes top spot

The SWR Bestenliste for November 2026 has announced its top literary recommendations, selected by an independent jury of 30 critics. Paulus Hochgatterer’s novel, “Mio und die Unsterblichkeit,” secured first place with 88 points. The story follows a sixteen-year-old boy grappling with mortality and physical immobility.

Lutz Seiler’s “Das tickende Herz” earned second place with 84 points, continuing the narrative of his literary alter ego, Carl Bischoff, through a journey to Kazakhstan. Petra Morsbach’s novel “Orion” rounded out the top three with 79 points. The SWR Bestenliste has provided monthly reading recommendations for over 40 years, focusing on literary merit rather than sales figures.