Switzerland’s equivalent of the Fourth of July is August 1; it commemorates a thirteenth-century pact of mutual defense against the Habsburg army among three future Swiss cantons. (See an earlier post about Switzerland’s Independence Day: https://wordpress.com/post/kimhaysbern.com/561). Like the Fourth of July, August 1 has traditionally involved parades and speeches, bonfires on hilltops, outdoor suppers, andContinue reading “How Much Freedom Is Too Much?”
Author Archives: Kim Hays
Four Sisters
Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano’s 400-page novel, was released on March 14, 2023, to superb reviews. Oprah chose it as her hundredth recommended book since she began her book club in 1996. Nevertheless, it took me sixteen months to buy and read it for a ridiculous reason—the title turned me off. When I tried to analyzeContinue reading “Four Sisters”
How Stories Take Shape
A Fondness for Truth is now officially launched into the world! The Münstergass bookstore co-owners Susanne Bühler and Monika Steiner sponsored the launch, which was held in Bern’s PROGR (short for Progymnasium), a former school building that has been turned into an artists’ cooperative and cultural center. In front of an audience of fifty, myContinue reading “How Stories Take Shape”
Weddings Past and Present
I recently attended the Manhattan wedding of the daughter of a close American friend—it was a joyous occasion, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was delighted to be invited, but also surprised because here in Switzerland, I’ve learned not to expect an invitation when our friends’ children get married. This is no reasonContinue reading “Weddings Past and Present”
In Praise of Midwives
When I moved to Switzerland thirty-six years ago, I didn’t know anyone still practiced midwifery—I thought the profession had gone the way of blacksmithing. Five years later, I walked into Bern’s teaching hospital to give birth to my son and met my first midwife. She was with me during and after the birth and madeContinue reading “In Praise of Midwives”
More Cherry Blossoms!
Now that Peter and I are back from Japan, I want to share some of my thoughts and observations with you, mainly because my feelings about Japan have changed so radically since I was 21 and spent six weeks in Tokyo. As a college senior, I won a small fellowship permitting me to compare factoryContinue reading “More Cherry Blossoms!”
Reading under the Cherry Blossoms
Thanks, dear friends and readers, for listening to me go on about Swiss politics the last time I blogged. Today, I thought I’d mention some of my favorite mystery authors—at least, from among the ones who are alive and writing books—and ask if you have some recommendations for me. I’m happy to have you suggestContinue reading “Reading under the Cherry Blossoms”
“Please, Sir, We Want Some More”
On March 3, almost 60% of Swiss voters said yes to an initiative proposing that people aged sixty-five and over should receive an extra month’s social security payment every year for the rest of their lives. As a result, starting in 2026, Switzerland’s 2,500,000 retirees will get between $1400 and $2800 more a year, whetherContinue reading ““Please, Sir, We Want Some More””
Switzerland’s Junkyard Playgrounds
When I was eight, we lived in a neighborhood that was still being built. Our narrow suburban street had families living on either side in small concrete houses with carports and tidy front yards. But only a few blocks away, there were half-built homes and vacant lots. We children—mostly boys, but I wasn’t the onlyContinue reading “Switzerland’s Junkyard Playgrounds”
Trials Reconsidered
Until I watched a man in Bern being tried for attempted murder, I assumed trials required juries. But Switzerland doesn’t use juries; instead, it holds bench trials, where judges alone decide if defendants are innocent or guilty. I did some research to find out more about trials in Bern. I learned that juries generally existContinue reading “Trials Reconsidered”
Kim Hays 