Peter Domanig

by Victor White

A significant portrait of a Viennese family, spanning the last war--a work of considerable physical (some 700 pages) and mental stature, intelligent writing, balanced and ature but lacking the emotional qualities that would give it the substantial popular sale which the publishers expect of it. However, it is Bobbs-Merrill's big entry of the season, and with a sure literary send-off and substantial backing, it may get off to a good start...This is the story of Peter Domanig, illegitimate, abandoned by his mother who left him with an aunt to be dutifully and lovelessly raised. Humiliations, neglect, rejections enhanced his hatred of his aunt, whom he called Mother and referred to as ""her"". He was refused permission to go to the Gymnasium with his friend, where his cousin had gone; his dream of cadet school was also denied; and finally, grimly resolved to be independent and successful, he became a machinist's apprentice, and after a physically and morally brutal year, seized his chance to go to America and his own mother, now wanting him. The war is simply a backdrop for the story, which holds the interest consistently through characterization and writing. We may be wrong-but our guess is little more than a succes d'estime.--Kirkus

708 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007