Books
by W G Sebald
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Austerlitz |
Architectural historian and orphan par excellence, Austerlitz's meandering quest for his past is woven in with the history of 20th century Europe via railway stations, ghosts, Welsh preachers, the symbolism of fortress-architecture, the Jews of Prague... all illustrated with evocative photographs. Sebald apparently has cult status (forgive my ignorance) and I understand why, though he may not be to everyone's taste. Personally, I was captivated by this utterly original, richly complex, mesmerizing and touching book.
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 17 February 2003) |
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The Rings of Saturn |
To call it a travel book feels like a dangerous oversimplification. A journey through Suffolk becomes a haunting meditation on places, people - their works and transitory lives - and the past. Once you are onto his wavelength, which takes a chapter or two, the effect is mesmerising. Impossible to convey its unique and sympathetic flavour but the mood lingers. Best thing I read in 2011.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 63 Winter 2011) |
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