Austerlitz

by WG Sebald, W.G. Sebald; translated by Anthea Bell
Austerlitz cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 599
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780241956908
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2013-07-04
  • Reviews: 4

Austerlitz is a profound and melancholic novel that delves into the life of Jacques Austerlitz, a man who, as a child, was sent to England on a Kindertransport to escape the horrors of Nazi-occupied Europe. Raised by foster parents who erased all knowledge of his past, Austerlitz grows up unaware of his true identity. As an adult, he becomes an architectural historian, but his past resurfaces, compelling him to confront the traumatic events of his childhood and the devastating impact of the Holocaust. /n/n W.G. Sebald's masterpiece is celebrated for its unique blend of history, memory, and personal narrative, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience of displacement and loss. The novel's haunting prose and intricate structure have earned it widespread acclaim, making it a timeless exploration of identity and the lingering shadows of history.

Reviews
Dactyl Review · 2020-09-07
challenging 3.50

The novel deliberately avoids traditional narrative structures, offering a unique and challenging reading experience.

The Dactyl Review notes that 'Austerlitz' deliberately eschews traditional narrative structures, making it a challenging but rewarding read. They appreciate the novel's unconventional approach, which they find refreshing and thought-provoking. The reviewer highlights the book's exploration of memory and history, noting that it offers a unique perspective on these themes. They also mention that the novel's style and structure contribute to its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Austerlitz is a novel that goes out of its way not to tell a story in any way resembling the traditional straight narrative.

    The book offers a unique and challenging reading experience.

    The novel's exploration of memory and history is both profound and thought-provoking.

Whispering Gums · Whispering Gums · 2018-08-31
mesmerizing 4.50

The novel is mesmerizing and remarkable, with a compelling narrative that lingers in the mind.

Whispering Gums describes 'Austerlitz' as a mesmerizing novel that leaves a lasting impression. They appreciate the way Sebald weaves together history and personal narrative, creating a rich tapestry of memory and loss. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of European history and its impact on individuals to be both profound and moving. They also mention that the novel's unique structure and style contribute to its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    The book is indeed mesmerizing and remarkable.

    The narrative lingers in the mind long after reading.

    Sebald weaves together history and personal narrative in a compelling way.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2013-11-07
captivating 4.50

Austerlitz is a superb book that defies description and categorization, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.

Tony finds Austerlitz to be a superb and defying book that transcends traditional categorization. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique narrative style and the way it challenges conventional storytelling. Despite the difficulty in describing the book, Tony highlights its captivating and thought-provoking qualities, making it a standout read. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to evoke deep emotions and provoke introspection.

Quick quotes

    Austerlitz is another superb book that defies description and categorisation.

    The book offers a unique and captivating reading experience.

    Austerlitz challenges conventional storytelling and evokes deep emotions.

The New York Times · 2001-10-26
moving 4.75

The book transports readers to a twilight world of half-remembered images and ghosts, creating a deeply moving and introspective journey.

The reviewer describes Austerlitz as a haunting exploration of memory and loss, noting its unique ability to transport readers to a fogbound world of half-remembered images. The book's introspective and deeply moving narrative is praised for its emotional resonance and the way it delves into the complexities of European history. The reviewer highlights the book's atmospheric and reflective qualities, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    With WG Sebald's haunting new book, 'Austerlitz,' we are transported to a memoryscape -- a twilight, fogbound world of half-remembered images and ghosts.

    A deeply moving and introspective journey that delves into the complexities of European history.

    The book's atmospheric and reflective qualities make it a memorable and impactful read.

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