MICHAELOBERTREPORTAGEN
Panel of Judges of the European Press Prize 2013 refering to The Mayor of Hell, Obert´s story on the mayor of war-torn Mogadishu
This is war reporting at its best: writing s from an original angle and a human perspective about conflicts that receive little interest from the West. On the spot, under dangerous circumstances, well-written, informative journalism.
German publishing house Frederking & Thaler, Munich
Michael Obert is a writer of outstanding talent. His ability when it comes to capturing the atmosphere and personal encounters in the unfamiliar zones and distant territories he visits is second to none among the young generation of German writers. Be it the Niger river and its banks in REGENZAUBER, the Sepik river in Papua New Guinea, or a re-opened golf club in the troubled city of Kabul, Michael Obert’s keen eye, his intelligence and empathy serve him as incorruptible guides to the heart of the stories he captures so accurately and vividly in his writing. – Dr. Philip Laubach-Kiani, Editor, Frederking & Thaler
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about Obert´s story Camping in Kabul
Michael Obert´s Camping in Kabul is one of the most surprising and fascinating stories about Afghanistan ever. From the hippies of Chicken Street to the Kabul Golf Club, the experienced traveler and highly talented German author not only guides us through war-torn Kabul, but also shows us some seldom seen faces of the Afghani capital. His lively, vivid, and at times poetical language creates a space for genuine human experience, through which we are allowed to see: Afghanistan is not only a geopolitical hotspot, but a home to people who, like us, have problems, but also pleasure, who have vision as well as hope. Through Obert´s reportage, we are able to meet some of these Afghans. They speak to us through the pages. They make us think – and laugh. For its candor, compassion and humor, the editors of the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" recommend that this exceptional story should be published abroad, in the leading countries of the Western World. – Barbara Liepert, Editor, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Excerpts from the press commentary
on the work of Michael Obert
Some people seem to have different talents. So does the author Michael Obert. His photographic competence is in no way inferior to his excellent writing – an extremely rare combination. – Das Magazin
Though Obert has an eye for the kind of colour and brilliance which would grace the pages of National geographic, he doesn't miss the dust, the paradoxes and the aesthetic forms which constitute (the far away) reality. Obert achieves a vision fusing the geology and tradition of countries that, in social terms, often run on their own evolutionary calendars, with a common humanity. – New York Times
The work of Michael Obert is an attempt to close cultural gaps. – Buenos Aires Herald
Michael Obert became an expert for the extreme parts of this world. Often envied by of many of us editors. – GEO Saison
Excerpts from the press commentary
on Michael Obert´s book "On the River of Gods"
Whether you are talking about Chatwin, Theroux or Krakauer – Michael Obert has earned a place among the greatest names in the field with his new book. He is a gentle adventurer, a brave traveler, and most importantly, a skilled and passionate storyteller. "On the River of Gods" is a great pleasure to read. – Frankfurter Rundschau
An exceptionally suspenseful and sensuous book. Obert’s narratives, like his entire adventure, are wildly insane! – Süddeutsche Zeitung
An author who creates a snap-shot, a scene, or an image in every situation he encounters on the road. It is a book that has a surprise to be discovered around every corner. – Franfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
The intoxicating story of a driven individual who, on his journey, allows himself to drift into a strange world full of shamans and spirits, forest elephants and giant ants, marauding gangs of youths, pirates, rebels and disease. A constant flow through a very real parallel world. – tip Berlin
Just reading this book is a trip in and of itself – and not for the faint-of-heart. – Freundin