This novel has been on my radar for some time, and not only because I enjoy its bold and eye-catching cover.
Jenny Erpenbeck’s Kairos is set in mid-eighties Berlin, following the intense, secretive relationship of a female student and an older, married man she met on a bus. However, with time, the thrill and enjoyment of this taboo relationship wears away as their bond dissolves to an abusive, cruel, and controlling affair.
As this all unfolds, East Germany is undergoing change prior to the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, blending this story of passion and tragedy with political elements and uncertainties about life in Germany.
It strikes me as a very compelling novel, with many elements to enjoy and analyse. Works with these layers of depth are often rewarding to read and stick with you for a long time. I certainly intend to give it my time in the future, as should you.
Leave a Reply