Probably a 3.5 but feeling a bit more generous. This book has a 'doomed' quality about it, although I didn't expect the details of the ending. Sparsely written with only a few characters, some of whom we spend most of the novel not knowing their name. The plot and characters kept me reading, I always wanted to read one more chapter at night. It's probably got lots of deeper meanings, subtle messages, most of which went over my head. A seemingly simple yet probably deep book. A puzzling, dreamy book. One of the blurbs on the back cover said, "...it has the queer, ruthless beauty of a dream." Exactly. And like those dreams whose details you cannot recall but whose atmosphere will not leave, this book - its characters and meandering, can't-really-call-it-a-plot - sticks around in the mind.I'm not sure what to think, but I'm glad I read it and I'd probably recommend it. A very interesting, thought-provoking work.
What do You think about Der Umweg (2010)?
Not an easy read, and not recommended for anyone who is even vaguely depressed.
—brian
