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 ) |
