Reading German Books in 2020 discussion

Here’s the suggested schedule for those seeking a long buddy-read this spring.

Page numbers refer to the recent NYRB classics edition. Translated by Vincent Kling, and currently shortlisted for the 2022 Helen and Kurt Wolff Prize. German readers will have more pages to read because German words and sentences are generally much longer! I couldn’t get hold of a German copy, so, where necessary, I’ve quoted the starting phrase for a week’s reading to help German readers get their bearings. Of course, this would have been much easier if the book had been structured with chapters. But it’s not, and that will give us something interesting to discuss a little further down the road. But for now …

Part One - Two weeks starting 01.05.2022
Week 1: 1-80 (Section break)
Week 2: 80-150 (End of Part One)
Reading begins “The reasons for Melzer’s friendly relations with Eulenfeld went deeper …”

Part Two - Two Weeks starting 15.05.2022
Week 3: 151-246 (Section break)
Week 4: 246-331 (End of Part Two)
Reading begins “Grauermann’s headache during the Schmellers’ garden party …”

Part Three - Two weeks starting 29.05.2022
Week 5: 335-435 (Section break)
Week 6: 435-524 (End of Part Three)
Reading begins “At Eight-Thirty the next morning he rode from the South Station …”

Part Four - Three Weeks starting 12.06.2002
Week 7: 527-629
Week 8: 629-729
Section begins “René gladly agreed to drink Turkish coffee …”
Week 9: 729-802 (The End)
Section begins “Around four o’clock on that Monday …”

There’s a useful introduction to the book with Vincent Kling and Daniel Kehlmann at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNOj2....

Let the reading begin!

Thanks Lizzy, looks really promising.

You had me with:
German readers will have more pages to read because German words and sentences are generally much longer!

Are there any chapters or are there any clear breaks to distinguish the weekly parts?

Will watch the video during the weekend and am really looking forward for the novel

Just ordered the first volume from the library! Miracle of miracles they have it in German, but only in two volumes - but that will help me get the first one done by the due date and then get out the second. Hopefully vol 1 will get here by May first!

kubelot wrote: "Are there any chapters or are there any clear breaks to distinguish the weekly parts?"

4 long parts but no chapters. There are clear breaks i.e a couple of blank lines between - what shall I call them - episodes in the text, but no guarantee they’re on the same page in the German edition, because of that length issue.

The case in point: NYRB classics edition 802 pages / DTV paperback 912 pages

My NYRB copy arrived a few days ago and have just spent a lovely time marking out the schedule. For once I have the edition which aligns with the pages and breaks nominated!
Looking forward to this book. Thanks Lizzy.

Thanks for this Lizzie, I read this recently as an ARC so interested to see what people make of it. I was particularly fascinated by his unusual, philosophical stance.

Lizzy Siddal (Lizzy’s Literary Life) wrote: "kubelot wrote: "Are there any chapters or are there any clear breaks to distinguish the weekly parts?"

4 long parts but no chapters. There are clear breaks i.e a couple of blank lines between - wh..."

now i have re-read your introduction and feel extremely stupid, totally overlooked the information on chapters in your initial post.

Nevertheless, have my dtv edition at hand, and found without bigger problems the first break, so everything should run smoothly.

Hello everybody.

Please may I join in?

I won't get my book until Tuesday but am confident that I can catch up.

Of course you can join in, Luna. I’m delighted to see you here.

Hooray!

My intention is to spend Sunday afternoons in Vienna this spring - metaphorically speaking, of course, starting yesterday.

First impressions from pages 1-80.

1) This is going to take longer than I thought. Such detailed prose, and so many people to keep track of. No list of characters in the NYRB classics edition either.

2) Enjoyed von Doderer’s character portraits, From the few reviews I’ve read though, not everyone is important. So taking my cue from the subtitle, decided, for now, to concentrate on Melzer, a man who “never had a ghost of a thought, not then, not later, not even as a major”. p59. Should be interesting.

3) I am not going to take copious notes. I’m just going to go with the flow. Though I will keep track of the number of times the Strudlhof Steps make an appearance. Spotted them twice in this section- page 39 and 51. Did I miss any?

4) This might be a complete coincidence but a Giesshübler is mentioned on p.42. Where have I heard that name before? He’s a character in Fontane’s Effi Briest, albeit with only one s. Probably just a coincidence, but we’ll see.

That’s a good plan Lizzy. I have read the first 30 or so pages and feel I’m on track.
It is really dense and I’m enjoying the thread of humour. Started taking a few notes but could see I would never get through it so will as you say go with the flow.
Complaint !!! The usual one for me. Why is the print so small??
Read on.

Lol Penelope, my copy is an old paperback from 1966 - small print *and* yellowed pages. My eyes!

I'm sorry guys, I'm bailing on this one. The reviews on GR are either 1 or 5 stars, so I figured I'd give it a go and see... between the tiny type and the length - I've decided if I want to read a book that gives me a snapshot of Viennese life before the war(s), I'll go with Zweig's Die Welt von Gestern (just read my first Zweig - Schachnovelle - and loved it). Looking forward to everyone else's impressions of this one - it does seem a bit of a 'marmite' book!

I'm out too. I got 34 pages in and just could not be bothered reading any more. Thanks for having me and good luck to the rest of you.

I just started today and read the first 30 pages, it seems it will be a tough read altough really enjoying the style and humour. will also skip notes and try not to lose track while going with the flow

I noted from the Kehlmann video that not much happens in the first 100 pages, so I’d geared myself up for a tough 1st installment. Am expecting things to improve thereafter …

I have enjoyed this week’s pages. The descriptions of Vienna (where I spent some time enjoying a significant birthday), being delighted when I recognised street names and landmarks. I really enjoyed the countryside and the bear hunt descriptions.
Like Lizzy, I have found a time of day to read (small print needs good light!) and so far its working.
So sorry Erin and Luna that you given it away because I feel it can only get even better.

In the video with the translater and Daniel Kehlmann, there is mention of an extremely funny novel written by Doderer. I have listened many times but cannot hear the title. Even when Kling, I think, says it in English. Can someone tell me the name please.

i'm slightly behind schedule, but not giving up yet and hope to catch up soon

Erin wrote: "I'm sorry guys, I'm bailing on this one. The reviews on GR are either 1 or 5 stars, so I figured I'd give it a go and see... between the tiny type and the length - I've decided if I want to read a ..."

I can see why you might, I read the whole thing but thought it was more an interesting book than a particularly enjoyable or readable one. The sort of thing I could see would be good to write essays about. But I also thought it was very much a unique take on Viennese society.

kubelot wrote: "i'm slightly behind schedule, but not giving up yet and hope to catch up soon"

Don’t worry. I forgot that AyeWrite! (Glasgow’s Literary Festival) is on for three weekends in May. I’ll certainly be playing catchup this week …

Week Two Pages 80-150

In which we are introduced to the Stangeler Siblings: René, Etelka and Asta. A portion which in my head is summarised as the love affairs of Etelka Stangeler.

In general much more entertaining than week 1’s section, although I am finding the constant time switches between pre- and post-WWI irritating. Is the point of this that not much changes as far as daily life is concerned?

Also noticed von Doderer is playing games- introducing one of Etelka’s paramours - Government Councillor Guys, a married man - as someone of great significance, only for him to disappear from sight (forever?) a couple of pages later.

The Strudlhof Steps appear twice: pages 116-117, 123

I have given in and bought the e book. Was moving too slowly with the print copy although still referring to it. My eyes I realise are just rubbish so being able to make the print larger suits me very well.
This section was great but I was at times forced to back track to work out the time switches.
I am enjoying it especially the family dynamics and think Rene a great character. Felt a little strange about the spoiler (?) when it was revealed that Etelka commits suicide. Felt I did not need to know that. It seems to be von Doderer’s story telling technique. So be it.

Just read that Vincent Kling was awarded the Helen & Kurt Wolff Prize for his translation of The Strudlhof Steps!

Lesley wrote: "Just read that Vincent Kling was awarded the Helen & Kurt Wolff Prize for his translation of The Strudlhof Steps!"

I thought that might happen, given that it’s often been called “untranslatable”. Will think about that at some later stage. About to start week three’s pages later today.

For those of you who are interested, there is an hour-long discussion on the book and translation of it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gNOj27BBO7M

Lesley wrote: "For those of you who are interested, there is an hour-long discussion on the book and translation of it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gNOj27BBO7M"

Thanks Lesley. Lizzy had alerted us to that video and yes, it was really interesting and helpful. I had asked a question about it above but had not had an answer. However, think I have worked out that the title was the Demons and there is an English translation.
Are you reading and enjoying this book?

I have it, but haven't started it yet. I do most of my reading on my Kindle and may need to buy that version.

The book Daniel Kehlmann refers to is Dorderer's Die Merowinger/The Merowingians

Lesley wrote: "The book Daniel Kehlmann refers to is Dorderer's Die Merowinger/The Merowingians"

Thank you!!!

I'm a little late to the party, but finally started reading this and made it through the first section. I am really enjoying the translation and am extremely grateful that I'm not reading it in German. I think Vincent Kling has done a tremendous job. I'll try not to post until I've caught up.

I'm sure you know this, but I learned that a Giesshübler is a mineral water from Kyselka in the Czech Republic.

Lesley wrote: "I'll try not to post until I've caught up.."

Post whenever you will., Lesley. We’re very relaxed here.
As for the schedule, it is only a suggestion, and although I’m on track just now, I know I’ll be needing to adjust in June and extend well into July.

Lesley wrote: "I'm sure you know this, but I learned that a Giesshübler is a mineral water from Kyselka in the Czech Republic."

I did not know that. Thank you.

I’ve just started on Part 3 which is on track with our schedule.
Do you ever read a book and even while you are reading it know you will be reading it again? I feel this way about this book.

Penelope wrote: "I’ve just started on Part 3 which is on track with our schedule.
Do you ever read a book and even while you are reading it know you will be reading it again? I feel this way about this book."

I’m on track too to read Part 3 this week. At this stage I know I’ll be needing to reread to get the most out of it - which is frequently the case with classic novels. Whether I actually get round to a reread is a different question.

You need to keep your wits about you when reading this. Was that really an insinuation of murder I read on page 199? “The widow remarried before the official year of mourning had fully passed.” (On second thoughts perhaps I’ve been reading too much German noir?)

I’m recommending this site for readers of German. www.literaturliebhaber.wordpress.com Whoever wrote it has a deep and abiding love for The Strudlhof Steps. Here’s a useful synopsis with all important indications of what is happening and when.

https://literaturliebhaberblog.wordpr...

Also a terrific article which includes the statement that the first 295 pages (German edition) serve as the introduction. That’s a long lead-in, but might account for why I have taken until the end of part two to get (some of) my bearings!

https://literaturliebhaberblog.wordpr...

The garden party at the Smellers in 1911 is the first event I felt I could latch onto. Ramifications of the scandalous episode are obviously going to reverberate through the years.

Lost count of the number of times the steps themselves have been mentioned, but know that next year I will be going to see them for myself. My friend (who is not reading with us) mentioned yesterday that she’s up for a trip to Vienna next year. Well, as I am now so keen to visit again, I think that’s a done deal! Little does she know where she’ll be heading for a photo opp. 😉

Lizzy Siddal (Lizzy’s Literary Life) wrote: "Penelope wrote: "I’ve just started on Part 3 which is on track with our schedule.
Do you ever read a book and even while you are reading it know you will be reading it again? I feel this way about..."

I agree about the garden party and finally feeling as if I had some sort of handle on this book. I still spend a little time asking myself what? what year? oh right!
Did von Doderer really liken Paula to the Steps. It seemed a bit of stretch to me although I took the point about her reflecting the city so to speak. (sorry lost page number )
I did laugh when Melzer said that he 'felt keenly the trammels and confusions' when in the cafe and they meet up with Rene.
I could use that phrase myself!
Thanks Lizzy for the references to that site. lots of good reading there.

Is anyone still reading?

Yes!!! Sometimes its as thick as mud and still confusing but pressing on regardless.
Unfortunately am behind the schedule. Just starting Part Four so will finish by end of July.

I’m still mid-book 3, but will aim to end same time as you.

Lizzy Siddal (Lizzy’s Literary Life) wrote: "Is anyone still reading?"

sorry, i have to give up. After a longer break i have totally forgotten what i already read and will have to start all over again. Either way I will do my best to read the novel in 2022, but unfotunately won't manage to do it within this round

Christiane wrote: "Q3 already has started. Strudelhofstiege? Till when?"

However long it takes … not the most gripping read I’ve ever come across, and I’m struggling to read 50 pages a week. Still hoping to discover why it is such a beloved novel in Austria. If anyone is Austrian, please enlighten me!

kubelot wrote: "Lizzy Siddal (Lizzy’s Literary Life) wrote: "Is anyone still reading?"

Sorry, i have to give up. After a longer break I have totally forgotten what i already read and will have to start all over”

I picked it up last night after a break of about six weeks - couldn’t remember much either, but I’ve decided all I need to know is that everyone is having relationship troubles. X with Y, Y with X and maybe Z! Does any of it matter? Not convinced it does at this point. Keep thinking of Schnitzler’s “Reigen”, round and round in circles we go …

“Melzer who had really and truly lost the thread by this time - by miles and ten times over” You can say that again I thought!!!
Actually, that section is really interesting about the history of the Steps and the builders. It’s somewhere near the end of Part Three. I really must keep a better track of the characters and their place in the story.

Penelope wrote: "“Melzer who had really and truly lost the thread by this time”

Yes! Never was a truer sentence ever written!

I have finished part three!

Another key sentence - the definitive statement of von Doderer’s intent, and probably the best explanation of why it’s so difficult to get a handle on this slippery fish of a novel?

“Rather, it all remained a world without a midpoint, with numerous objects side by side, a museum”. (page 517)

I have at last finished this book. At times (most of the time !) I was totally confused and had no idea what was happening but at other times it was pure brilliance, plot, writing and the breadth of the story was fabulous.
So Hurrah Hurrah!!! Now I can get onto something else without thinking must read a few more pages!! I particularly enjoyed Daniel Kehlmann essay.

Well done! I’ve still to read part four … According to rumour there is plot within. Is the rumour true?

Lizzy just keep reading. It’s worth it🤗🤭