Not a single harsh word

The daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung describes the opening speeches at the Frankfurt Book Fair as uninspired: "Sensations weren't to be expected. … Nor were fights or harsh words on the cards. No speechmaker for the German host would want to offend the Chinese guest of honour - it was clear from the outset that good manners come first. And no Chinese would want to tear away at the already gaping ideological gulf that still separates China from the free world. But did this year's opening ceremony at the Frankfurt Book Fair really have to be bland to the point of dreariness? … Not a single harsh or pointed word. No jokes, no irony and no deeper meanings. The inauguration of the 61st Frankfurt Book Fair lies behind us now. Things can only get better."

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