#Germany #Frankfurt #Xuemo #Frankfurt Book Fair #Eternal Love

Exploring the Depths of Literature at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair

At the bustling 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, where countless new titles and industry negotiations unfolded, one event captured attention with its profound thematic exploration: the inaugural Xuemo World Literature Forum. This year's theme, "Eternal Love: Creating Meaning in the Void", prompted intense discussions among writers, scholars, and industry leaders from across the globe.

Organized by Ruxue International Media, the forum brought together notable figures from countries such as China, Germany, the U.K., Norway, and Turkey. The event uniquely focused on the question of what literature can contribute to a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, data overload, and feelings of spiritual emptiness. This inquiry seems particularly relevant as society grapples with the implications of technology in everyday life.

The forum commenced with the unveiling of two significant literary works by Chinese author Xuemo. The first was the English edition of Eternal Love, a philosophical exploration that delves into themes of death, transformation, and spiritual freedom, masterfully translated by Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-Chun Lin. The second work released was The Way Out: Women's Spiritual Awakening in the Age of AI, which evaluates female empowerment and resilience within the context of the digital age.

Xuemo's keynote address resonated deeply with attendees. He presented a compelling metaphor, urging creators to act as "lamps" illuminating the darkness of contemporary society. “Death is inevitable,” he stated, “But meaning is a choice. Emptiness is not apathy, but the freedom born of awakened love.” These poignant declarations advocating for compassion over control struck an emotional chord with those gathered.

Many prominent voices participated in the dialogue, including Toby Levin, a researcher at Harvard's Hutchins Center, and Cord Eberspächer, a historian from the University of Bonn. Levin applauded Xuemo’s approach to portraying women in narratives, highlighting how stories such as Desert Rites bring to light voices historically silenced within patriarchal structures. She emphasized the connection between Xuemo's narratives and global movements aspiring to combat gender-based violence, such as those against female genital mutilation and the traditional practice of foot-binding.

Eberspächer presented philosophical parallels between Xuemo's insights and the works of renowned European thinkers. He noted, “His idea of ‘creating meaning in the void’ recalls Kant’s moral imperative, as well as Martin Luther’s commitment to planting an apple tree on the eve of the world’s end.”

Philippe Werck, reflecting on literature’s role amid today's digital noise, remarked, “Social media screams. Literature listens. Xuemo's work is a sanctuary amidst the chaos.” Such statements emphasize the contrasting attributes of literature and digital developments like social media, highlighting literature's potential to foster deep, contemplative connections.

Concluding the forum, Xuemo signed multilingual translation agreements for his works in Serbian and Croatian, marking an expansion of his literary influence to over 20 countries. As the event wrapped up, the lingering mention of his latest book, Eternal Love, resonated with attendees, echoing the core theme of introspective exploration and the quest for meaning amidst contemporary challenges.

This inaugural Xuemo World Literature Forum not only established a platform for these vital dialogues but also set a precedent for future literary discussions, illuminating the power of stories to inspire and connect in a world of rapid transformation.