Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
slow-paced
I liked the atmosphere of Berlin, especially after the wall fell. But I did not care about the characters or the story itself. It is a mix of the unbearable lightness of being by Milan Kundera, and sally Rooney. I dont like either, but if you do, this might be for you.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In the words of Lorde - "What Was That". This felt like a long pretentious slog. Unless you're super into German history (references definitely went over my head) or you enjoy insufferable characters in insufferable relationships then avoid at all costs!
P.S - I have enjoyed reading the 1 star reviews but sad to learn this is my 200th read on GR
P.S - I have enjoyed reading the 1 star reviews but sad to learn this is my 200th read on GR
dark
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
held me hostage for five days i hate you i hate you i hate you.
insufferable.
insufferable.
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredibly well-constructed book. The intricate narrative style is quite self-referential, which makes for a more interesting reading experience, in my opinion. It of course also prominently references various works of literature, music and drama, most of which I was not familiar with - but it was done in a way that I never felt lost.
Before reading this book, I was mostly curious about the portrayal of the GDR, seeing as that was discussed controversially in German reviews. Personally, I don't see what all the fuss was about. It's a nuanced take, and I thought it was done quite well. One may even read the (toxic and doomed!) love story as a parable for the rise and fall of the GDR (as does Thomas Winkler in his review in taz; many other German critics do not entertain this idea), in which case it is incredibly GDR-critical. Our two main narrators are unreliable and especially Katharina's view is influenced by growing up in the GDR; her casual accounts of repression and censure make total sense. The story being told from a privileged perspective makes it no less realistic or valuable, especially seeing as it is strongly influenced by Erpenbeck's own background.
Going in, I didn't expect the relationship to be as brutally depressing. This obsessive, all-consuming dynamic was captured exceptionally well. It's a striking portrayal of toxic relationships and especially the dangers of relationships with strong power asymmetries. It's also torturous to read - though Erpenbeck's prose is amazing. My disdain for Hans grew with every page. Definitely major trigger warnings here.
All throughout that torturous second half of the book, I was hoping for a cathartic ending, for Katharina to realise her predicament and to revolt against Hans. I can see why that wasn't a sensible conclusion to this story. Still, this means that you leave the book feeling mostly resigned. She leaves Hand, but the writing makes it out to be less of an explosive liberation than the inevitable, quiet death a relationship like any other.
Overall, I am very glad I read this. On the technical level, this is close to perfect. Beyond that, it's a moving book that explores various important themes - patriarchal structures and cycles of violence; loss of community and identity crisis; ideology, grand visions, sacrifice, and hope. It's shocking and difficult to read. It opens a window into a little-described sphere of a different time.
Before reading this book, I was mostly curious about the portrayal of the GDR, seeing as that was discussed controversially in German reviews. Personally, I don't see what all the fuss was about. It's a nuanced take, and I thought it was done quite well. One may even read the (toxic and doomed!) love story as a parable for the rise and fall of the GDR (as does Thomas Winkler in his review in taz; many other German critics do not entertain this idea), in which case it is incredibly GDR-critical. Our two main narrators are unreliable and especially Katharina's view is influenced by growing up in the GDR; her casual accounts of repression and censure make total sense. The story being told from a privileged perspective makes it no less realistic or valuable, especially seeing as it is strongly influenced by Erpenbeck's own background.
Going in, I didn't expect the relationship to be as brutally depressing. This obsessive, all-consuming dynamic was captured exceptionally well. It's a striking portrayal of toxic relationships and especially the dangers of relationships with strong power asymmetries. It's also torturous to read - though Erpenbeck's prose is amazing. My disdain for Hans grew with every page. Definitely major trigger warnings here.
All throughout that torturous second half of the book, I was hoping
Overall, I am very glad I read this. On the technical level, this is close to perfect. Beyond that, it's a moving book that explores various important themes - patriarchal structures and cycles of violence; loss of community and identity crisis; ideology, grand visions, sacrifice, and hope. It's shocking and difficult to read. It opens a window into a little-described sphere of a different time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Genocide, Racism, Antisemitism, Abortion, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, War
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
O livro me pegou pelo contexto histórico da história. Entender como foi a Guerra Fria para os alemães residentes em Berlim, o contato com a porção oriental e como era a vida nas cidades fora de Berlim. Quanto a relação entre Katherina e Hans, até a metade do livro, era "suportável" apesar de ficar incomodada 90% do tempo. Depois que ela começa a decair completamente foi difícil me manter na leitura, as porções históricas me ajudaram a não desistir. Contudo a analogia da relação deles com o contexto histórico da Alemanha na época foi uma sacada muito boa da autora mas não sei se foi proposital.
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes