Rolf Lappert was born in Zurich in 1958. After graduating from secondary school, he trained as a graphic designer and began to write at age 20. In addition to his activities as an author, in the late 1980s he opened a jazz club in Aarburg together with a friend; from 1996-2004 he wrote screenplays. Today, Rolf Lappert is an independent writer and lives in Listowel, Ireland.

Photo: © Peter-Andreas Hassiepen

to the book:
Islands of the Dying Light

Awards:

• 1995 Schiller Prize of the Swiss Schiller Foundation for Die Gesänge der Verlierer [The Songs of the Losers]
• 1995 Work Grant, City of Zurich
• 2008 Swiss Book Prize for Nach Hause Schwimmen [Swimming Home]