Title: Schlafes Bruder
Author: Robert Schneider
First published January 1, 1992
204 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9783379015189 (ISBN10: 3379015180)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
In his novel Schlafes Bruder, Robert Schneider tells the story of Johannes Elias Alder, an unrecognized musical genius who lives in the rugged mountain village of Eschberg in Vorarlberg. The villagers here only talk about everyday matters, otherwise preferring to speak in hints and, in case of doubt, remain silent.
Being different from the farmers since birth, Elias is avoided by these people and rejected by his own mother. The disappointment over three important people (mother, father, and unrequited love for Elsbeth) ultimately extinguishes the life of the twenty-two-year-old Elias, just like the three fires that gradually extinguish the village.
Editoral Review
Schlafes Bruder by Robert Schneider is a German novel that was first published on January 1, 1992. The author was born in Upper Austria in 1961 and is known for his contributions to the literary genre with his unique writing style and themes.
Set in an Austrian village in the 19th century, Schlafes Bruder is a story about a young man named Elias who possesses an unusual gift of understanding music intuitively. However, he is ostracized by his own family and the village due to his odd behavior, including his frequent outbursts and erratic social behavior.
As the novel progresses, readers are transported to Elias surreal world, where he is introduced to the secrets of music and learns to embrace his gift. Along the way, he meets several interesting characters, including his brother, Konrad, who is both envious of and in awe of Elias talent.
The story narrates the complex relationship between these two brothers and the challenges they face. Schneiders novel primarily focuses on the themes of music, love, and the pressures of society.
Schlafes Bruder is a novel that explores the thin line between madness and genius, showcasing how an individuals talent and behavior can be misunderstood by those around them. The book also touches upon the themes of family dynamics and sibling rivalry, as Eliass relationship with Konrad is put under the microscope.
Schneiders writing is stylized with intricate sentences and vivid metaphors that create a dream-like atmosphere. His elegant prose and poetic language add to the surreal, fantastical nature of the novel, making it an engaging read.
However, the pacing could be slow at times, which might put off some readers. Despite some drawbacks, Schlafes Bruder is an extraordinary piece of literature that continues to be relevant and thought-provoking even in contemporary times.
The novel won the prestigious Deutscher Buchpreis in 1992, and has since been translated into several languages. Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction with complex themes and nuanced characters.
Fans of classic literature and historical fiction will also appreciate this novel. The book is a must-read for anyone who is fascinated by the interplay between artistic genius and societal expectations.
Score: 9/10.
