W.: A Novel

Name: W.: A Novel
Brand: Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd
SKU: 9781419751226
Price: 45.0 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Steve Sem-Sandberg

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.46

( 297 ratings, 48 reviews)

Summary

W.: A Novel by Steve Sem-Sandberg is a profound exploration of identity, survival, and morality, inspired by the true story of a soldier named Woyzeck. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Europe, it delves into the psychological turmoil and existential struggles of its protagonist, who finds himself caught in the throes of societal and internal conflicts. The narrative weaves historical details with a deep psychological inquiry, offering a contemplative look at the nature of humanity.
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Format: Hardback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this novel if you are intrigued by psychological explorations of complex historical figures, as it delves deeply into themes of obsession, identity, and morality. The narrative provides a detailed, thought-provoking look into the life of a character grappling with personal and societal conflicts, making it a captivating read for those who appreciate richly layered storytelling.

W.: A Novel

Description

The novel W. is a literary prequel to one of modern literature's touchstone texts, the play Woyzeck—the basis of films, operas, and numerous translations and adaptations. Considered the first modern drama, Woyzeck tells the story of a loyal foot soldier who, in a fit of jealous rage, kills the woman he loves. In 1836, this true story inspired Georg Buechner to write the play, which was left unfinished at his death at just 23 years old.

W., the astonishing new novel by August Prize-winning author Steve Sem-Sandberg, grippingly recounts the lovers' relationship, the murder case, and the soldier's execution, while delving deeper into the world and motivations of the characters.

Taking this classic and enduring work as his starting point, in poetic and controlled prose, Sem-Sandberg reveals a ruthless, moving, and unforgettable story of human vulnerability and the abyss that Buechner felt was a part of every person. Larger forces such as the horrors of war and the dehumanising nature of psychiatry collide with the soldier's own small world, and love devolves into hatred as Woyzeck desperately and humanely struggles to make something of the life given to him.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

W.: A Novel by Steve Sem-Sandberg is acclaimed for its intense exploration of human relationships, where tension between the reader and the protagonist, Woyzeck, creates a compelling narrative experience. The book is described as sharp, hypersensitive, and haunting, depicting themes of abandonment and violence in a spellbinding way. Reviewers appreciate its moral depth and the specificity with which it addresses tragic themes, making it an affecting read.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781419751226

Publisher: Abrams

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 07 July 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Abrams

Contributors:

Translated by Saskia Vogel

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Steve Sem-Sandberg

About the Author

Steve Sem-Sandberg’s novels include The Emperor of Lies, winner of the August Prize; The Chosen Ones, winner of France’s Prix Médicis étranger; and W., which was awarded the Eyvind Johnson Prize. His books have been bestsellers around the world and have been translated into 30 languages. In 2020 he was elected to the Swedish Academy, the body that chooses the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Saskia Vogel is an author and translator from Los Angeles, currently living in Berlin. She was a 2021 PEN Translation Prize finalist and Princeton University’s Fall 2022 Translator in Residence. Her debut novel, Permission, was published in five languages, and she was awarded the 2021 Berlin Senate Grant for Non-German Language Literature for her writing.