The Invention of the Big Bang: a novel about getting lost in life's big questions

by Fred Schäfer

Ludwig is a wealthy banker who wants to be an artist. His wife Gina is convinced that matter and time can't exist. Daniel and Monika, a young bohemian couple, live happy lives with values and believes that are in almost every aspect the opposite of what Ludwig and Gina's lives are about. One day Ludwig starts telling Daniel his story: how he helped political refugees to escape to Casablanca; how he lost everything and what happened then; how he and Gina travelled the world. But there was more. It took a long time before Daniel discovered the banker's secret: the dark events that once dominated his past and that even Gina didn't know. Despite all their differences, the friendship between the two unlike couples grows over many years. Then, one day, Ludwig's past catches up with him.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Fred Schäfer is the author of 22 books. His bestselling novel, "The 92-Year-Old Lady Who Made Me Steal a Dead Man's Car", is a hilarious romp through the world of literature, philosophy and crime. His latest nonfiction book is entitled "How To Make Great Things Happen In YOUR LIFE". It's free of hype and offers a sincere and proven approach to lasting happiness and success. Fred lived and traveled in many parts of the world. About writing his latest novel, "Unedited Realities", he says he had the best time of his life.
This novel is a riveting philosophical sci-fi mystery. Brilliant, creative, humorous, and thought provoking.

Reviews

[Stan Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ode to the Bohemians.

Among the masses of words proliferating the market of the electronic world, sometimes, rarely, there comes a tale that makes one forget about the mundane reality and sweeps one along into a different time and space.

Kurt Vonnegut is reported to have said that a novel ought to take the reader to his destination by the shortest route as quickly as possible.

This is not such a novel. It is a yarn spoken at leisure, rather like a cork bobbing on the surface of an ocean of existentialism. Carefree, contented, until something within us turns the lustrous surface into turbulent waters. Then, a monster emerges from the deeps to take rein over the surface, only to return to his dark domain. A strange, almost an impersonal journey.

Yet, it is not really the destination that matters, but the trip itself. One is tempted to visit the many places, which the author visited, looking for his memories scattered throughout the world. It is peppered with phrases such as “less is more”, overtones of Mies van der Rohe, with the brushstrokes of Picasso, Gaudi and Kandinsky, and with philosophies that must be read at the author’s pace. I shall therefore, leave you to do so. It seems that only becoming a true Bohemian offers permanent happiness. Find out for yourself. Become engrossed in the novel, even as I was. You’ll enjoy it. Also, even as I did. You won’t regret it.

And don’t forget the love triangles or even more complex geometric figures; and finally, the Big Bang. But those you’ll have to discover for yourself. Enjoy the trip!”

[Peter Prasad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both a memoir and a tribute to the writing style of Henry Miller. It is rich in globe-trotting narrative, major shifts in character, reinvented back story, injections of author sidebars, a delicious cake recipe -- in all a rousing good read. Ludwig in an everyman; he begins as a run-away German boy of 15, succeeds on the New York stock exchange, and settles in an artist colony in Big Sur. Ludwig is also a path to maturity, a worldview transformed through life experiences, the kidnap of his daughter, the resolution of a murder. He is on an evolutionary journey of integration, resolving his analytical, economist mentality with his passion-driven artistic heart. At one point, Ludwig torments himself with: “What is the purpose of it all?” Exceedingly inventive and broad in scope, “Bang” reminds me of Tuesdays with Morrie – dialogs in the Socratic tradition that explore the duality of existence and the meaning of life. More Hermann Hesse (an individual’s search for authenticity) than Nietzsche, the answer might be summarized in the idea -- rejoice in a life lived well. You’ll rejoice in this book – five stars.

[Alexandrea Weis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ludwig is a dreamer and his life is a journey captivated in this beautifully written and thought provoking novel. Ludwig is a identifiable character who exemplifies the best and worst of each of us. Filled with life questions that we all ask ourselves, this story takes the reader on a amusing ride through the highs and lows of Ludwigs world. The book is engaging and filled with moving moments that carry the reader foward. The narrative has an addictive quality that draws you in and keeps you captivated from start to finish. Mr. Schafer weaves a wonderful tale of love and redemption. I highly recommend this seductive and thoroughly satisfying read.

[Zach Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a most original and unorthodox novel largely related as a testament by the narrator, while treating you to his own thought development. The characters were lovable and the story gathered pace beautifully. Although an easy read, it was also thought provoking with the narrator often questioning himself as much as the reader. It sometimes took a little bit of effort to appreciate the author's direction and the interludes of introspection and philosophising but for me it was an effort richly rewarded. I loved it.

[Fred Schäfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fred Schäfer: "Of all the books I have written in English, this is my favourite one. I truly like the characters, I fell in love with most of them, especially the women, and I am still wondering where all the ideas, words and sentences for this book came from. Sure, they came out of me, but who or what inside me created them? I have no idea. I am happy that they found their way out."

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an original story about life and how one man manages through it. The characters are interesting and the writing style is engaging.

Ludwig is an especially intriguing character who dreams about life and lives life from an unusual perspective. I highly recommend this book.