Reading German Books in 2020 discussion

Will try this level again and am determined to have more luck this year.
Currently reading: What You Can See from Here by Mariana Leky

Penelope wrote: "Will try this level again and am determined to have more luck this year.
Currently reading: What You Can See from Here by Mariana Leky"

I really liked that book! Hope you enjoy it. :)

1. Love in Five Acts by Daniela Krien translated by Jamie Bulloch. 4 stars

2, New Year by Julie Zeh translated by Alta L. Price. Excellent read 4 stars.

3. Lisa and Lottie by Erich Kästner my translated copy The Parent Trap, wonderfully illustrated by Walter Trier and translated by Anthea Bell.
I have seen the two versions of the Parent Trap without realising that it was originally a delightful children's book. 4 stars.

Penelope wrote: "3. Lisa and Lottie by Erich Kästner my translated copy The Parent Trap, wonderfully illustrated by Walter Trier and translated by Anthea Bell.
I have see..."

Really glad You liked it Penny. Wasn't it a charming read? I'm very fond of the movie adaptations, saw 4 of them, but there are for sure more. I refreshed both Disney adaptations a few years back, now I want to rewatch the two German movies. Mostly the 1950's adaptation with the screenplay written by Erich Kastner himself

Penelope wrote: "3. Lisa and Lottie by Erich Kästner my translated copy The Parent Trap, wonderfully illustrated by Walter Trier and translated by Anthea Bell.
I have see..."

I had no idea for the longest time either - I'd heard of "Das doppelte Löttchen", but had no idea what the story was about. I rented the German movie to watch with my kids and was like - WHOA! This is the original Parent Trap!!

4. Empty Hearts by Juli Zeh. Very exciting read. This is the third I have read recently where the level of anxiety has reached a peak. I now need a lovely slowly unfolding story to calm down. but hang on.... that won't happen when I'm reading another novel which is just as bad. More soon. 4 stars

Same here! I had no idea. I look forward to reading more Erich Kästner.

Reenbean wrote: "Same here! I had no idea. I look forward to reading more Erich Kästner."
I have ordered from the library Emil and the Detectives which I read to my children and my reading group when I was working. It was always received with great hilarity. again had no idea it was translated and would fit nicely into our German reads.

5. The Wall by Marlen Haushofer. 5 stars. I literally could not stop reading and then had to stop to recover and be calm. I had no idea how it might end. Translated by Shaun Whiteside.

6. Madgermanes by Birgit Weyhe trans. Katy Derbyshire. Stunning and sad stories about those workers brought from Mozambique to East Germany to work in unskilled positions. Graphic novel format.

7. Silver Pebbles by Hansjörg Schneider. Interesting to read a detective novel in the midst of the longer, deeper books I've have been reading. Was a little weak but will try this author again.

8. by Heimito von Doderer.
particularly appreciated Daniel Kehlmann's introduction and full of admiration for the translator Vincent Kling.

9. Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family by Thomas Mann. a five star reread for me. This time I read the book whereas before had listened to the audio.

Penelope wrote: "9. Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family by Thomas Mann. a five star reread for me. This time I read the book whereas before had listened to the audio."
My favourite book of all time, Penelope!

10. The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Penelope wrote: "5. The Wall by Marlen Haushofer. 5 stars. I literally could not stop reading and then had to stop to recover and be calm. I had no idea how it might end. Translated by..."

I thought this was brilliant, also loved Nowhere Ending Sky, I'm planning to read The Loft think she's a wonderful writer.

And great selection of books so far, enjoying finding out what you're reading.

Thanks Alwynne and for the titles by the amazing Marlen Haushofer. I read the Wall at the beginning of the year and still think about it!

Penelope wrote: "Thanks Alwynne and for the titles by the amazing Marlen Haushofer. I read the Wall at the beginning of the year and still think about it!"

Me too, surprisingly powerful piece. Did you see the film version? It's not as nuanced as the book but was much better than I'd anticipated.

11. Paul Celan and Ingeborg Bachmann Correspondence. trans by Wieland Hoban.
I found these letters beautiful, at times full of longing and despair,the depth of this friendship shining through always. They were a great insight into the minds of two brilliant writers, poets and how the world of critics and reviewers works.

12. The Liquid Land by Raphaela Edelbauer. Read for #GermanLitMonth.
Terrible book, confusing and messy and at times almost impossible to follow. Have no idea why I persevered as it has taken me 18 days of precious reading time to get to the end., 2 stars.

Penelope wrote: "12. The Liquid Land by Raphaela Edelbauer. Read for #GermanLitMonth.
Terrible book, confusing and messy and at times almost impossible to follow. Have no idea why ..."

Penelope, I agree. It’s really bizarre. Perhaps though the point is that it’s as messy as the Austrian history that threatens to open up like a sinkhole? I find it’s grown on me with time. Still on my shelves awaiting a reread, when I think things will become clearer.

Lizzy Siddal (Lizzy’s Literary Life) wrote: "Penelope wrote: "12. The Liquid Land by Raphaela Edelbauer. Read for #GermanLitMonth.
Terrible book, confusing and messy and at times almost impossible to follow. ..."

I felt a little mean that I had rated it so low but every time I felt it was starting to make a clear point it descended into chaos. Maybe that was reflecting Austrian history about which I know very little. Funnily enough I have not stopped thinking about it since I finished it yesterday. Yes, maybe a reread and I'll certainly look to read more of her work.