Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck-A 2024 International Booker Review 

Her novel Visitation was such a favorite for me. It also involves German history; about a piece of land and a Jewish family’s making a home on that plot. From there, it moves through time. I think you would love it, too.

I really like the way you Analyse & Review the books.... you are awesome, so natural & clean... keep inspiring 🤗🤗

Love your reviews Gretchen! I fell in love with the prose of this novel and really enjoyed it despite the difficult topics and frustrating main characters. It may be recency bias since this is the last of the shortlist books that I’ve read, but this was the first book where the writing really wowed me. I have no idea what book will win the International Booker, but I would not be disappointed in the least if it was Kairos.

I love hearing about this book now because I read it last year. I really enjoyed it AND got confused by the ending. But I still liked the story and the writing. And I agree. I also was angry and irate at Katarina!! I wanted to try more Erpenbeck but haven’t yet.

I’m so excited to read this one. It’s next on my list after I’d Rather Not Think About It. Thanks for the great review.

I have had this on my list for so long, too!! Thanks for such a comprehensive review!! And I love a book that makes me feel claustrophobic - BUT WHY?! LOL!!

Love your review. Now I want to read it

Wow Gretchen! SOLD!

que buena reseña me diste ganas de leerlo 😁

I loved Kairos as well (in German) and loved it. I wonder if your observation, underwhelmed by the longlist, and then enjoying some of the shortlist, pretty much mirrors the experience with the regular Booker. At least in my case it was like that; I was underwhelmed by the longlist back then and then ended up loving three, liking two more, and only disliking one. But then, I only read Kairos and I'd Rather Not Think About It, but liked both, with Kairos having so much more substance than the smaller, vignette-style but lovable I'd Rather Not Think About It.

I've had this on hold for a while. Even though I think this Hans might be triggering for me I love good writing so will read it.

I hated Hans more than any other character I've read. Hated him. Even more than Heathcliff. I am however becoming weary of reading about toxic relationships all the time, maybe that's just me but it seems relentless sometimes. I did find the descriptions of the political situation with the reunification of East and West Germany interesting. Definitely well written.