Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck-A 2024 International Booker Review

Sixth review from this years International Booker Longlist. This book has also made it to the Shortlist.
If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe!
#bookchannel #bookish #bookreview #books #bookstagram #booktube #bookrecommendations #bookishthoughts #readersofyoutube #readinggoals #internationalbookerprize #thebookerprizes #currentreads

[@the_snicklefritz]

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.

[@madeubook]

I was wowed by the writing as well. I will definitely be visiting her backlist at some point in time.

[@jansmith9391]

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.

[@ganeshasr141]

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

[@madeubook]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that ☺️

[@thelefthandedreader6632]

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.

[@madeubook]

So funny you mentioned wanting to read more from Erpenbeck. I actually found a copy of Visitation at the library sale for $1!!!

[@iamtherealjulia]

Wow Gretchen! SOLD!

[@booksandbags]

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.

[@madeubook]

You're so welcome! I’m looking forward to What I’d rather not think about.

[@rocio_monbb]

que buena reseña me diste ganas de leerlo 😁

[@eyesonindie]

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!!

[@madeubook]

You are not alone!!! I often wonder what the heck is wrong with me sometimes. My favorite books are usually about horrible things and horrible people.

[@layalialsudairy9992]

Love your review. Now I want to read it

[@madeubook]

Thank you! It is definitely worth a read in my opinion.

[@jordana99]

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.

[@madeubook]

I hope the writing makes it a worthwhile read for you. Hans is the WORST!!!!

[@markhnk]

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.

[@madeubook]

I love that you got to experience Kairos is it’s original language. I’m curious if you have read any other of Erpenbeck’s works?

[@markhnk]

@@madeubook Yes, I have read Visitation, and many, many years ago her first novel, when it came out (Geschichte vom alten Kind, not translated I believe). Loved both.

[@markhnk]

Wait, her first novel was actually translated: The Old Child.

[@madeubook]

Awesome!!! I picked up Visitation at a library sale for $1 last weekend! Now I’m even more excited to read it.

[@janethansen9612]

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.

[@madeubook]

You’re absolutely correct! I don’t like Heathcliff at all and Hans is a million times worse!!!