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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