Thomas von Steinaecker explores disability in novel ‘Schwestern’

In his novel ‘Schwestern’, Augsburg-based writer and filmmaker Thomas von Steinaecker explores the complexities of family life and societal attitudes toward disability. The narrative spans three distinct time periods: a carnival party in Munich in 1989, a theater performance at Nymphenburg Palace in 2014, and a day in the near future in 2037.

The story focuses on the relationship between two sisters, Bettina Winter and Simone. Simone was born with an intellectual disability following a rubella vaccination during pregnancy. The novel examines how families navigate the needs of a member requiring significant support, the balance of freedom within the family unit, and how society perceives individuals with disabilities.