The text appears at the beginning of Simone Schönett’s novel re:mondo, whose protagonist, Sara, comes from a Yenish family with roots in Langfenn in the mountainous region of San Genesio Atesino in South Tyrol, Italy. The prologue centres on the biblical story of Noah, the flood, and the ark. The Yenish version, however, includes the story of Noah’s little-known brother Jacob, who decides not to enter the ark but rather to bring together other musicians from the around the world in Langfenn. They survive the flood in the mountainous region through their music, laughter and belief in freedom, and their survival marks the emergence of the Yenish people.

Schönett’s tale is one of solidarity in which historical, social, cultural and linguistic bonds are created at the right time in the right place.