The action takes place between 1859 and 1916, charting the demise of the Trotta family against the decline of the Hapsburg Empire. Roth's narrative, so evocative of two dynasties that have a past but no future, leaves one with a profound sense of sadness. A remarkable achievement from so young an author, Roth's prose style takes some getting used to but it is easy to see why this has become a modern classic.
(Jeremy Miller - bwl 80 Spring 2016 ) |
