The big interview

Does it still hurt, Ms. Simonischek-Karner?

Peter Simonischek and Brigitte Karner were a couple for over 40 years.(Bild: Gulotta,Francesco / Action Press / picturedesk.com)

One year ago at Whitsun, actor Peter Simonischek died of cancer. His wife Brigitte Karner was by his side until the end. The widow talks to Conny Bischofberger about the hour of death, painful and wonderful memories, a long journey back to herself and her book "Life without him".

Where do people meet to talk about dying? Brigitte Karner suggests "Mama Leone" in Vienna's Schellinggasse, one of the Huth family restaurants. She used to live just around the corner with Peter Simonischek. "And it also has the best pizza," she enthuses with lots of smiley faces on WhatsApp. She's wearing black when we meet, "but that was a coincidence today", and has her new book under her arm.