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aminarotari 's review for:
Kairos
by Jenny Erpenbeck
dark
sad
tense
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
This book confused me. While reading, I had the impression what was in front of me, was a work of art. But I also felt unequipped to understand it. Perhaps I should find this story again at a later point in my life and be able to appreciate it more thoroughly. For now, I felt like the beautiful prose did not suffice to make me eager to return to the pages. I will say Erpenbeck did a fascinating job of telling the grand narrative of East Berlin/USSR's collapse and illustrating the possibility of life feeling still against the backdrop of a revolution. However, save for some moments that called upon my reflection (e.g. Katharina's pull towards Hans' toxicity in the context of political instability), it did not feel like the personal and the political blended as seamlessly as intended to.
Also, I wanted to punch Hans in the face way too many times -- I don't remember the last time I felt so angry at a character.
Also, I wanted to punch Hans in the face way too many times -- I don't remember the last time I felt so angry at a character.