Laura Vogt

Laura Vogt, born in 1989 in eastern Switzerland, studied cultural studies and creative writing. Her fourth novel, "Das Jahr des Kalks", was published in 2026 (Dörlemann Verlag). Her two previous novels have been translated into English: "Woman, Idle" and "What concerns us" (both Héloïse Press, UK).  Her work has been recognized with various grants and scholarships, most recently in 2025 with a scholarship from the Kunst + Kultur Foundation as part of the German Prize for Nature Writing. She lives with her family near St. Gallen, Switzerland.

About The Book of Chalk:

In the Swiss mountains, Romi and Szibilla arrive at Nora’s childhood home to find their longtime friend has retreated into silence. With Nora refusing to speak and her mother keeping them at arm’s length, Romi and Szibilla are forced into an uneasy time together over the next five days. Their mutual acquaintance will bring out their own insecurities as friends, lovers, and mothers, unexpectedly confronted with themselves and their own choices. This is a novel that masterfully blends daily-life reflections with suspense. Insightful yet easy to read, readers will be captivated by the mystery surrounding the silent woman.

Told in alternating voices, Woman, Idle explores two main questions: What kind of women have I become? What kind of women do I want to be?