February 2010

Iskender

Whoa, this story must have touched a nerve for a lot of European readers. Alright, so not that many but enough folks who complain about immigration. The book in question is Iskender, a story about the love affair of a mixed race couple in Europe. It was written by Hermann Schulz, a writer who comes across as wise (in a Gandalf sort of way) and who has spent a considerable amount of time talking about human rights.

This story is about the romance between a Turkish migrant worker and German waitress. The love affair is actually not the main focus. Rather, the story follows the aftermath when, Asaf Karpat, the young man in question discovers that he has a son. Unfortunately, he is back in his hometown and the child's mother has passed away. Read more about Iskender

German Novelist Caught Plagiarizing From Blogger

In the book publishing industry, there are always stories of fake memoirs and unauthorized biographies full of bullshit, but it’s rarer to hear about a work of fiction being called “plagiarism”. According to German magazine, der Speigel, the latest controversy to hit German publishing involves a 17-year-old writer who many now believe plagiarized her novel from a blogger’s posts about sex and drugs.

The blogger, who writes by the moniker Airen, once wrote about his crazy nightlife situation of taking drugs, and having random sex with prostitutes and transvestites. Later, he published a short volume about his exploits. Read more about German Novelist Caught Plagiarizing From Blogger

Liegen Lernen

I've said it before but let me mention it again. A lot of German novels revolve around serious topics. Or at least that's the idea I get from the various novels that are translated into English. This is not a judgment about the quality of these novels etc. Rather, it is more about associating German literature with specific themes. Thus, a lot of books I have come across cover the world war, the Cold War or Nazi regime. But what about the other genres?

Well, I found one more novel that plays around with a different topic. Liegen Lernen (Learning to Lie) by Frank Goosen is the book in question. It is a coming-of-age novel about a fictional character called Helmut. Read more about Liegen Lernen

The Moon and the Maiden

This is one book I can't wait for them to finish translating. Actually, last time I checked, no one has picked it up for an English adaptation (why?!!!) and thus I might have to wait a bit. The story in question is called Der Mond und das Mädchen (The Moon and the Maiden) and it is written by a well-known contemporary German author called Martin Mosebach.

The Moon and the Maiden is supposed to be a quirky little tale about a married couple. They tied the knot recently and now have moved to the big bad city. Both of them have different outlooks on life; actually, I think it is their respective backgrounds that bring about such different takes on various matters. Ina, the Mrs. who had a sheltered upbringing, seems pretty unhappy with their new home and neighborhood. Read more about The Moon and the Maiden

A Happy Man

What an arbitrary tale this was! Sure, it is an interesting exploration of happiness or at least how we, as humans, choose to be happy. But then again, it can be a slow meandering read for the more impatient types.
Read more about A Happy Man

German Book Club

From German for beginners to the best in German literature

Account

Iskender

German Novelist Caught Plagiarizing From Blogger

Liegen Lernen

The Moon and the Maiden

A Happy Man