Author Peter Rewers discusses his debut novel 'The Death of Puskás' with literature critic Tonny Vorm. The novel tells the story of Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás, hailed as the 1950s and 60s answer to Messi. Puskás chose to leave Hungary after the Soviet invasion in 1956 to pursue his career at Real Madrid – a decision that raises existential questions about betrayal of homeland, artistic integrity, and personal reconciliation.
In the novel, readers encounter Alfredo di Stefano, Real Madrid's elegant and nearly forgotten star, who becomes an important sounding board for Puskás' inner doubts: Did he betray his country? Did he compromise football's beauty by accepting Madrid's wealth?
Rewers, born 1977, is himself a former professional footballer and author of biographies about Kim Larsen and Michael Strunge. Vorm, born 1967, has written sports biographies and more recently genre-aware novels. The event also marks Sunday opening with library service at Valby Bibliotek – there will be coffee and refreshments.
