One novella and one novel (so far) for German Literature Month XV. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Jenny Erpenbeck
German Literature Month XV
Guten Abend!
Yes, the calendar has just flipped into October but I’m fairly sure that other readers are doing what I’m doing… that is, making November reading plans. We have to be strategic given that it’s German Literature Month, Novella November and Nonfiction November! Continue reading
20 Books of Summer (except that it’s Winter) – that’s a wrap
Mission accomplished! I did well on the 20 Books of Summer challenge. Continue reading
Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck
Two things about Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck before I get into the nitty-gritty:
1. Didn’t love the ending – the last third of the novel flagged in terms of energy.
2. …but that said, I thought a lot about this book after I finished it. A lot.
The story is set in (East) Berlin in 1986 and focuses on nineteen-year-old student, Katharina, who meets Hans on a bus. There’s an immediate connection, forged over a shared interest in music, and their bus trip turns into dinner, which turns into an intense love affair. Notably, Hans in 53-years-old and married.
It is clear from the outset that Hans is firmly in control. He speaks of previous infidelities, as well as a future with Katharina.
Without his marriage, there wouldn’t be the danger, the secrecy, the circumstances that give rise to yearning. Continue reading
Six Degrees of Separation – from Kairos to Bad Behaviour
It’s time for #6degrees. Start at the same place as other wonderful readers, add six books, and see where you end up. Continue reading
Six Degrees of Separation – from Butter to Empire of Pain
It’s time for #6degrees. Start at the same place as other wonderful readers, add six books, and see where you end up. Continue reading
20 Books of Summer (except that it’s Winter)
Cathy at 746 Books is hosting the 20 Books of Summer reading challenge again this year. As Cathy explains, it’s the most relaxed reading challenge you’ll participate in (swap books out, change your target, do whatever). The challenge is straightforward – read the books between June 1st and September 1st. Continue reading
Sample Saturday – a romance, a painting, and a chance meeting
Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye. Continue reading
German Literature Month 2023
November is fast approaching, which means time to start strategically planning my reading (because it’s German Literature Month, Novella November and maybe Nonfiction November – has there been an announcement about NFN yet?).
German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life (find the German Literature Month blog here – it’s a great source of inspiration if you’re looking for titles). Continue reading
German Literature Month 2022
November is almost upon us, which means time to start strategically planning my reading (because it’s German Literature Month, Nonfiction November and Novella November).
German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life (find the German Literature Month blog here – it’s a great source of inspiration if you’re looking for titles). Continue reading