Jakob Michelsen, who wrote under the pen name Jakob Arjouni or Bothe, was a renowned German crime writer. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Arjouni gained recognition for his straightforward and heartfelt writing style, which tackled complex themes such as race and identity. Growing up, the author experienced discrimination firsthand, and this personal connection to the subject matter informed his work.
Arjouni's writing career began at the age of 20 when he published his first novel, "Happy Birthday, Türke!" (1985). This debut was followed by his first play, "Die Garagen," which showcased his ability to write across different mediums. However, it was his criminal novel "Kayankaya" that catapulted him to fame, earning him recognition both in Germany and abroad. The book was translated into 10 different languages and solidified Arjouni's reputation as a talented writer.
Throughout his career, Arjouni received numerous accolades for his work. In 1987, he was awarded the Baden-Württembergischen Autorenpreis für das deutschsprachige Jugendtheater for his play "Nazim schiebt ab." His 1992 novel, "One Man, One Murder," earned him the German Crime Fiction Prize. Despite his success, Arjouni remained committed to his craft, continuing to write about complex and challenging themes. He passed away in Berlin in 2013 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.