Reviews

The Appointment: A Novel by Katharina Volckmer

booksonmars's review against another edition

funny reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No

4.5

one of the best monologues i’ve read. witty and ruminating and lewd, the narrator has such an intriguing thought train.

elma212's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

astraldylan's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I almost didn’t finish this book; I almost dropped it in the first 15 pages or so. I am really glad I finished it, though. It was a poignant read with good commentary on gender, gender norms, and German history. As long as you can get past the first part about Hitler (you’ll see what I mean), the book is worth it.

If your copy has the interview with the author in it, I recommend not skipping it.

ek4therin4h's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

ruiponce's review against another edition

challenging sad medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

There were 20% thought-provoking remarks and sharp observations in this book. It had its best moments when it - precisely the narrator - was honest, authentic and vulnerable and I felt like there was a real human being talking behind the facade. I could have done without the other 80% of disturbing talk about sexual kinks and supposedly funny but otherwise shallow weirdness.

magyklyxdelish's review against another edition

Was super bored with this one.

brionyrichards's review against another edition

funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A

4.0

chillcox15's review against another edition

5.0

My first major pleasant surprise of 2021, even if The Appointment does not aim for pleasantries in the least. A novella-length narratological monologue about historical trauma and guilt as it collides with selfhood and gender identity, Volckmer's The Appointment (or The Story of a Jewish Cock) is a ribald, erotic, transgressive ride, one that often ponders Hitler's love life. I loved it.

notsosecrethistory's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

danaishpastry's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0