Reviews

This was my first time trying Fosse’s writing and I’ve since come to find out that he typically writes character driven, reflective books. This isn’t the type of book that I always gravitate toward, but the type that I really enjoy when it’s done well.

Our main character, Johannes is likable enough. We follow him as he sort of slogs through his days. It seems that as he’s aging and having lost his wife, he no longer feels any real purpose to living. I know this can be a common issue with elderly people, so I applaud Fosse for capturing it so effectively. The loneliness really radiates off the page.

There isn’t much in the way of plot, at least not until the twist at the end is revealed. Then you realize that there was something happening beside just an older man reflecting. I thought that was a cool trick.

That said, it was the sort of book I admire, but also find myself getting restless with. It’s very gray and dreary. And I just wish I had gotten to know a bit more about the MC and what he was like before this apathy overtook him.

If you are a fan of slow-paced, character driven novels that muse on the human condition, perhaps you will enjoy this one.

arisophie's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

booksontour's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

🌄Morgen und Abend hat sich angefühlt wie ein Song von Novo Amor. Traurig, melancholisch aber gleichzeitig auch total tröstlich, schön und hoffnungsgebend.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr seltsam, da es keine richtige Interpunktion gibt und man aus diesem Grund gefühlt eine nie enden wollende Aneinanderreihung von Sätzen liest, aber irgendwie hat das total zum vibe gepasst. Obwohl man Johannes und die anderen wenigen Charaktere nur über 122 Seiten begleitet, habe ich sehr schnell eine emotionale Bindung zu diesen aufgebaut. Am Ende musste ich sogar ein bisschen weinen, weil das Thema Tod super nahbar behandelt wurde.