Rate this book

Ein Mann Von Welt (2013)

by Antoine Wilson(Favorite Author)

3.57 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Humor

publisher

Insel Verlag

review 1: Despite leaving his home town and his normal routines, I didn't feel like the main character (as well as the reader) went anywhere or gained anything of value from the experiences he had. The people he met along the way were interesting or had the potential to be interesting, but they weren't fully developed...just faded away without any resolutions.I think stories from the POV of someone with developmental/emotional issues have run their course. Approaching life and human interaction through the eyes of someone without filters and who takes everything literally (i.e. Autism/Aspergers) has become a cheap and easy tool for imparting the theme of "be real to yourself and those around you."
review 2: “In my ideal world everyone knows everyone else, bicycles and ... morebinoculars get the respect they deserve, there is no such thing as money, thinkers have time to think, everyone is as lucky as I am, and people are buried where they want.”It is that last little bit of Oppen's ideal world that initially gets him into trouble. Oppen is, his own words, a slow absorber. He considers the town bullies to be his friends despite their treatment of him. He tries to make an order of French fries into a wonderful experience. That, not surprisingly, backfires. When he gets overwhelmed, he breathes his own air. And he travels to Panorama City to become a Man of the World, while living with his aunt. You want to know how that worked out for him?The book is written as a tape recording for Oppen's unborn son because Oppen, lying in a hospital bed, is sure he is dying by the next sunrise. The writing is charming. Oppen is charming. Some of the characters, not slow absorbers, are not nearly as smart and good as Oppen. His view of “professionals” is unique and in the case of some professionals, a little too close to the truth.While I use the word “charming” to describe this novel, don't mistake it for maudlin fluff. It is sweet and gentle but not saccharin. This world needs more Oppens, and more stories like this one.I was given an advance reader's copy of this book for review. The quote may have changed in the final edition. less

Download links for: Ein Mann von Welt

Advertising