Finally it’s November. Those of you who follow my blog might have noticed I was a bit quiet in the last weeks. With good reason. I was busy reading German, Austrian, and Swiss literature.
As you know, Lizzy and I have decided to do a “Read as you please month” with only two themed weeks.
A crime week during week two, hosted by Lizzy.
The Literature and War Readalong on November 25, in which we read and discuss Walter Kempowski’s WWII novel All For Nothing – Alles umsonst.
For those who are still looking for titles, here are the books I have already read and those I’m still planning to read.
Peter Stamm’s latest novel. I must admit, I might not review it. It’s the worst book I’ve read this year. I can still not believe he wrote something like this.
Judith Hermann’s new short story collection Lettipark. I’ve not finished this yet but I can already see that it’s a mixed bag.
Karen Köhler’s short story collection Wir haben Raketen geangelt.
I bought this collection a while ago but haven’t read it yet. When I was looking for reviews of Judith Hermann’s book I saw it mentioned a few times. Most critics came to the conclusion that readers would do better to read Köhler instead of Hermann. I’ll let you know what I think.
I’ve only heard great things about Uwe Timm’s memoir In My Brother’s Shadow – Am Beispiel meines Bruders. As far as I can tell, (I read the beginning), it’s amazing.
Almost Like Spring – Fast ein bisschen Frühling, is my first Alex Capus and if the rest is as good as the beginning, it won’t be my last.
Last year I read Ursula Poznanski’s Erebos and was pretty much blown away. While I liked Five – Fünf a bit less, it’s still a really gripping book. You may have noticed that her adult crime novels are published under another name, Ursula P. Archer, in English. If you’re still looking for a page turner for crime week and are not too squeamish, you’ll enjoy this.
These are my plans so far. I might add some Walter Benjamin and one of the fantasy novels by Nina Blazon Der Winter der schwarzen Rosen (not translated yet).
I hope you’re all busy making plans and wish you all a great month. I hope you’ll discover a lot of great books. Happy Reading!
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There will be a few giveaways.
Here’s a sneak peek.
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Please add your reviews to this site German Literature Month.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
You have been busy, haven’t you? Lots of lovely books to review! I think I should be realistic and stick to just three (two I’ve already read, but now I have to review as well). Surprisingly, none of them crime for a change…
Yes, I was rather busy. 🙂
Only one crime novel so fra but I still have some n my piles so there could be more.
I’m looking forward to your reviews.
Not a fan of the Stamm, then? I must admit that I liked it, and much preferred it to the previous one (‘Nacht ist der Tag’). Not overly keen on ‘Lettipark’, though – as you’ll see on Thursday 🙂
Me neither. Some stories are better than others. No, not a fan of this Stamm but I haven’t read the previous one.
Sadly I was not able to participate this year.
I am looking forward to reading some interesting posts however.
Nina Blazon sounds particularly interesting.
That’s too bad. I hpe there will be a lot of interesting posts.
I’m looking forward to reading Blazon’s book. It’s a mix of steampunk/ fairy story, if I’m not mistaken.
I’m still dithering over what to read but I may go for a biggie. Got to read a non-German book before I can dive in.
I’m glad to hear it and curious which biggie you’ll choose.
Ha, here it’s the first day of German Lit Month and I am already tempted to get a book, the Uwe Timm one. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been disappointed by Peter Stamm’s novel.
That’s funny. I think it’s a great book.
I thoight the Stamm was awful. Gimmicky.
Plenty of food for thought! And if I can get to a German book, I will!
I hope you’ll get the time, Karen.
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I have my first selection read and ready to review. Well I’m working on the review. I held this book back as I wanted to review if for GLM. You’ll see why when I post the review.
That’s great. I’m looking forward to to your review.
I’ve started Ursula P Archer’s “Five” today. I think it’s going to be quite a page turner. I will probably listen to the audiobook of Hesse’s Narcissus & Goldmund this month too. And maybe squeeze one or two more German books in, depending on how my month goes!
That’s so great. I’m glad you’re joining us. Five is definitely a page turner. One of those books that makes you want to stay up and finish it.
Hesse’s one of my favourites.
Gosh, you have been busy these last few weeks. Looks like an interesting selection of books too – shame about the Stamm, though. All being well, I should have a couple of reviews to link in with the event: one of Zweig’s novellas and re-discovered classic from the 20th century. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s choices.
I haven’t finished all of them but I made good progress. I still got so many lined up. The Stamm was such a dud. Mind you, Tony liked it. We agree on Hermann though.
I’m very curious to find out what you will choose.
I spy a Stefan Zweig… 🙂 I am barely 20 pages into my first book, but enjoying it immensely. Erebos was awesome, I read it last November. I would like to read a crime novel this month too, but something modern and breezy / not too intense. Any suggestions?
I’m so glad to hear you enjoy your first book.
Yes, the Zweig giveaway should be soon.
Erebos is so good. I got her Saeculum here as well.
I’m not too sure I know any breezy German crime. If I come across something, I’ll let you know.
I knew when I asked, that ‘German’ and ‘breezy’ are not a likely combination, but didn’t hurt to ask. I’ll look into other books by Poznanski, I suppose.
Ingrid Noll is one of my favourites. She is a bit like Ruth Rendell or Patricia Highsmith. But not brand new.
I probably don’t need any more ideas but I have noted down a couple of these in addition to my already big pile. I forgot about the Kempowski, which I had ordered and surprised me by arriving in the mail yesterday, but it looks and sounds good–also a little more dense than some of my other choices, so I will be a busy reader this month. Pity about the Stamm–I was just thinking about trying him–but he has a lot in English translation so maybe another book–though maybe not this month. Now I think I *will* get Erebos after your comment. I look forward to hearing all about your reads–sounds like you have been really busy!
Don’t hesitate to try Stamm. His short stories are great and so are his earlier novels.
Yes, I’ve been busy. 🙂
I’m sure you’ll like Erebos. It’s a YA novel but I found it so addictive.
Although, you’ve already got so many great books lined up.
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Well, now I know why you haven’t been on line much. 🙂 Happy to hear it’s because you’re reading.
These selections look so interesting and I look forward to the discussions.
Thanks, Carole. Some of these titles were/ are really great.
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