Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

The story sounded interesting, but I just couldn't get into the book. I would normally like the type of book but, unfortunately, this just didn't do it for me. Sadly having read a large portion of the book, it was a rare DNF. The 3 stars are because it's not a bad book just not for me.

Sorry, I've read 20% of this and it's not working for me, so I'm giving up. It seems like a random collection of quirky thoughts and rather tired folklore, and shares the failing of so many contemporary books - an entire lack of plot and forward momentum. Words thrown on paper do not a novel make, even if they're occasionally interestingly arranged. I know I'm going against the tide with this one, but so it goes sometimes.

Because I haven't read enough of it, I won't be reviewing it. Thanks, anyway, for giving me the opportunity to try it.

I sometimes find it challenging to read historical novels which concern particular wars or political movements when I don’t have much knowledge of these past events. I like to get fully immersed in a story and it’s hard to do that if I feel like I frequently have to check Wikipedia to understand a historical context or situation. This is why it took me so many years to get into “Wolf Hall”. Daniel Kehlmann’s novel “Tyll” concerns The Thirty Years War, German folklore and other subjects from 1600s central Europe that I have even less knowledge about than the Tudor period! But I didn’t mind that so much because the characters (many of whom are compelled by superstitious beliefs) are so engaging and its story of witch trials and the power struggles of self-entitled monarchs is so compelling. It meant I was completely charmed by the book even if I didn’t fully understand the intricacies of several sections. Also, while this novel begins like a biographical account of Tyll Ulenspiegel, a prankster from numerous German folk tales, it is Elizabeth Stuart, an English noblewoman who was briefly Queen of Bohemia and popularly known as the “Winter Queen”, who emerges as the true hero of the novel.

Tyll is raised in tragic circumstances. He's the son of a miller who is put on trial for being a warlock where a string of witnesses are forced to testify against him under intimidation and torture. From this Tyll comes through as a canny individual who has the ability to survive deadly circumstances. But also, as a prototypical trickster and professional jester, Tyll imbues this novel with a wicked sense of humour. He harbours grudges against those who abuse their power and subverts that by mocking them to their faces like a comedy roasting using satirical or even scatological jokes. It was probably the only way to speak truth to power at the time without getting your head chopped off.

So he's an interesting character who avoids the fate of many who died at the time because of plague, war or religious persecution. But, just as Tyll evades being captured or killed in several situations, he also slyly slips out of the narrative for much of the later parts of this novel and only pops back into the story occasionally to disrupt or comment on the proceedings. The novel comes to focus more on Frederick V and Elizabeth Stuart, two high ranking figures of European nobility and royal blood who briefly ruled as King and Queen of Bohemia, but they were forced to abdicate these roles after only one Winter. The politics surrounding this are quite complex and it's something I did have to do a lot of extra reading on just to grasp the circumstances. That's definitely not a bad thing because it is really interesting, but it did pull me out of the story a bit and means a rereading would probably make the experience of this novel more pleasurable.

The main point is that Elizabeth Stuart is such a fascinating historical figure who I hadn't known about before reading this novel. She was the daughter of James VI and Anne of Denmark, highly educated, spoke several languages and had a special passion for reading and literature. I enjoyed how the novel depicts her tricky political status and the personal difficulties this caused for her as she realised she was in a position where she could dramatically alter the fate of history. She comes across as an astute figure who cleverly knows how to survive difficult circumstances just as Tyll does. Whereas some of the main rulers at the time such as her husband Frederick V and Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden come across more as bumbling or blowhard potentates playing with power. But Elizabeth is quite strategic in her movements during her extended exile after she and her husband are deposed. I'll be keen to read more about her and it appears several biographies and books about her exist.

With the shifts in focus and leaps in time throughout the novel it did come across as somewhat uneven to me. But overall I was enraptured by the story and writing which is moving, richly evocative and deeply thoughtful all at once. This novel is a strong contender from this year’s Booker International prize list and I'll be keen to read Kehlmann's previous novels.

Kehlmann is truly a Wunderkind incapable of writing anything less than extraordinary. Tyll is another marvellous creation, not as laugh out loud funny as some of his other work, but highly entertaining nevertheless.

My thanks to Quercus Books riverrun for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Tyll’ by Daniel Kehlmann in exchange for an honest review.

It was published in English on 6th February 2020, translated from the German by Ross Benjamin. Recently ‘Tyll’ has been Longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2020. I elected to purchase its audiobook edition, narrated by Jonathan Keeble, and listened alongside reading the eARC.

“He's a trickster, a player, a jester. His handshake's like a pact with the devil, his smile like a crack in the clouds; he's watching you now and he's gone when you turn. Tyll Ulenspiegel is here!”

‘Tyll’ is a picaresque novel that weaves 17th Century historical fiction, specifically the period of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), with tales of Tyll Ulenspiegel, a trickster figure from German folklore.
Tyll was originally a medieval legend but here is transported by Kehlmann into Early Modern Europe.

It’s a difficult novel to summarise though my own interest in folklore and history made it one that I was immediately drawn to. Kehlmann’s writing is lyrical and immersive with a non-linear narrative, which can prove challenging.

I know little about this particular period in European history though have been interested to learn more about the life of Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, who is a central character in this novel.

I found that ‘Tyll’ constantly surprised me. It is a novel that I would welcome rereading, not only to experience again the beauty of the writing but to appreciate its symbolism and multiple layers.

Its unusual structure and unapologetic mingling of history with the fantastical may not be to everyone’s taste but I adored it.

This has been one of my favourite books so far in 2020.

I'm not normally one who loves historical novels, but I was drawn into this from the first page - and while it was the first piece of work I'd read from the author, it definitely won't be the last.

The way that Kehlmann expertly weaves through the different perspectives, making sure that you get all sides of the stories of the character's - and the way that he brings such an incredible spark of energy to the chapters with Tyll himself - made the book impossible to put down.

I’m not normally a fan of picaresque novels, and although the central character in this entertaining novel lives up to his reputation as a prankster and jester and has many absurd adventures on his travels, somehow the author has managed to transcend the genre and turn this into a very enjoyable and historically interesting tale, one that incorporates much real history to satisfy the more serious reader. Tyll is based on a character from German folklore, Tyll Ulenspiegel, a prankster who challenges the social order. He first appears in the 14th century but here we meet him during the Thirty Years’ War, from 1618 to 1648. The book follows his life from childhood in a small village to his adult success as a jester at the court of Elizabeth of Bohemia, the Winter Queen. His travels take him through a Europe devastated by war, and a Europe of pre-Enlightenment ideas, where daily life is ruled by superstition, fear of witchcraft, fake news, hunger and violence. The parallels to today’s Europe are obvious and give the novel an added relevance. There are many cultural and historical references throughout the book and it’s fun to spot them but it doesn’t matter if you don’t as the narrative is complete in itself. Tyll Eulenspiegel is sometimes thought of as just a figure in fairy tale but here the author takes us back to a more demonic character, one who can cause real havoc. I found it a well-written, well-paced and intelligent novel, good fun but with a serious sub-text.

Even if it's sometimes confusing to follow this story I loved it and found it engrossing and entertaining.
I know who Tyll Eulenspiegel was but the story and the world building of this story made me thing of this characters with new eyes.
The author is a good storyteller and it's style of writing reminds me of popular stories.
It was a good read, recommended.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I find it extremely difficult to review this book for many reasons but mainly because I had a hard time deciding how to rate it. I went from 3 stars to 5 only to get back again. I settled to 4 because in the end I appreciate what the author did with this novel.

Before I read Tyll I was not familiar with the apparently famous author. I was introduced to him by Jonathan, my GR friend, and I have to thank him.

Tyll is a picaresque novel about the famous jester Tyll Ulenspiegel who was transmuted in the Thirty year Old War. The structure of the novel is not linear and is written from different point of views, all actors in the terrible events of those times. The format was both one the best features of the book but also managed to confuse and interrupt the flow of the reading experience. Tyll was central to some chapters (or I should call them stories) and only tangent to others. He was a sort of binder, the person that held the book together, like an extreme high rope act. Only in the end I could see how all the episodes fitted together brilliantly. I was especially impressed that each event was presented by two or more people in a slightly different version which suggests the alteration of history by treacherous memory and self-interest. Tyll, with his dark humor and tragic figure acts like a mirror for the other characters and we are given a true picture the War, any war. It is cruel, absurd, bloody, a tragedy for normal people, a game for the powerful although they can also become victims.

I also enjoyed the “supernatural” aspects of the novel, the little people, the spells, the dragons. It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t a fantasy novel but that people in that time thought that nonsense real and people made careers or died because of it.

An interesting translation of Germanic folklore. The non-linear storytelling wasn't so much about Tyll but other characters we meet in the Thirty Years War, with Tyll acting as their conscience or devil-on-the-shoulder.

Recommended for historical and folklorists buffs. A good raindy day read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Tyll is the story of Tyll Ulenspiegel, a wanderer/prankster/jester and his peripatetic adventures through what we now call Europe, during the Thirty Years’ War.

This is an exuberant and unusual piece of historical fiction, an omnium-gatherum of legendary figures, real historical personages and events, mysticism, scholarship, high diplomacy and the carving up of realms, the dismal daily grind of the peasantry.

With a Pulp Fiction-style jumbled timeline and a winking irreverence, Tyll wears its deeply researched historicity lightly, keeping the reader constantly off balance and feeling like anything might happen. There are some magical elements, but this isn’t a full-blown fantasy novel. It’s more like history as seen through the world view of the people who lived it, people who truly did believe in witchcraft, spells and superstitions. It’s always a little ambiguous whether the strange happenings are ‘real’ or just the fancies of the characters’ 17th century minds.

There’s so much to take in here. Through the folkloric Tyll (transported by Kehlmann from his original medieval time zone), we gain access to the lives of villagers, farmers and soldiers, see the cruel devastation wrought by the war, spend time with exiled Bohemian royals and renegade polymath Athanasius Kircher, attend witch trials and inhabit haunted forests.

In novels with multiple perspectives there is always a risk that one will outshine and here it is Tyll himself. The sections with Tyll – whether as a sweet little boy or as the adult, slightly sinister jokester in motley – are so alive with energy that the few parts where he’s offstage seem flatter by comparison. But that’s a small criticism of an otherwise delightful read. 4.5 stars.

*A big thank-you toDaniel Kehlmann, Quercus books and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Ever since I saw the German edition of this novel and guessed what it may depict, I have wanted to read the magical story of Tyll Ulenspiegel.
The main reason why this book has been on my radar and I have been waiting for the translation is that I have been interested in the Thirty Years' War ever since I watched a splendid documentary on it and visited some places which still remember that cruel period. The War is shown in soldiers, landscape, cruelty and its nonsense, as any war, and although only some episodes are included in the story, in my opinion, the Author could not have done a better job reflecting on that period. Elizabeth's reflections on her life, on accepting the crown of Bohemia and on fighting for the title for her son during the congress in Westphalia, give the background behind the events which started the conflict and difficulty ending it. I found 'The Fat Count' and 'The Winter Queen' parts fascinating.
Tyll and his 'sister' Nele wonder the lands, escape, dance and support each other during their journeys without a destination. I admit that Tyll as a character was difficult for me to fully understand as there may be some references that I missed, however, I found him and the folklore he represents absolutely engrossing. Reading about Tyll was for me like wondering in the forest.
This is not a novel that will appeal to every reader. There is no actual linear plot, the characters, some of whom imaginary, some of whom real, tell their stories, always subjective and, in consequence,not always reliable.
I feel I should congratulate the translator who did a terrific job. While reading 'Tyll' I had the impression it was not translated, but written in English.
'Tyll' was a superb read for me ...

This book was such a huge disappointment for me. The blurb seemed really interesting, but the novel lacked a cohesive narrative, interesting characters and everything else that makes a novel readable and entertaining.

Tyll Ulenspiegel is part of German folklore, the protagonist of a medieval cheap street publication, and a well known figure in German literature. The orginal book was a bestseller that was translated into many languages back in the 16th century. Tyll is a jester, a prankster, a vagrant, a performer, a malicious spirit. The son of a miller, he is born into a murky small village world frighteningly full of superstitions and malicious curses. His father, a thinker but aloof to daily tasks, a healer, a stranger to the village, has stolen books of knowledge on his wanderings and settled down only when he could not carry their load any longer.
With his father hanged after being accused to be a warlock, Tyll starts off with a travelling balladear
Whilst the narrative voice was beautiful, I did not like the sudden plot breaks. From Tyll’s youth to a battleground to a spoilt English noblewoman, it broke the flow of the story telling. Then there were looooong descriptions of history of that time, who reigned where, was affiliated with whom, succeeded whom, made war against...reminded me of hours of dull history lessons at school (soz, not my bag!). However, the scene in the mine shaft was so eerie that I got goosebumps. So, all in all, a mixed bag with the good bits prevailing.
PS: Adored the cover design!!

Daniel Kehlmann's translated non-linear novel is a skilfully woven blend of folklore, fantasy and European historical fiction where the medieval legend of folklore, Tyll, the spirit of rebellion, mocking, a confidence trickster and jester is transplanted three centuries later into the 17th century, travelling through the episodically portrayed horrors and devastation of the Thirty Years War, the Holy Roman Empire, and the court of Friedrich, the Winter King and Elizabeth Stuart. Pieces of the tightrope walking, performing Tyll Ulenspielgel's personal history emerge, the change in him after the forest inhabited by the cold woman and other beings, the hanging of his father, Claus, denounced as a witch, and him running away with his 'sister' Nele. Kehlmann's Tyll is not the same Tyll from medieval folklore, he is a reflection of the macabre and cruel times he now inhabits, a time of strange beliefs for which people kill and are killed, torture is widespread, and all the repercussions that inevitably follow war.

The gaunt faced Tyll is a travelling performer, arriving in villages with his pied jerkin, battered hood, and calfskin hood, staging plays of dragons, witches, evil kings, comedies and more, he is accompanied by Nele and Origenes, a talking donkey. He is a incredibly exuberant force of nature, overwhelmingly irresistible, charming, rude, mocking, issuing nonsensical commands that, as if in a trance, people follow, such as throwing their shoes high into the air. Madness, fights and mayhem ensues, he issues invitations, with people understanding that the rules that apply to them have no agency when it comes to Tyll, he represents a freedom from the chains that bind them, he can do anything that takes his fancy. Tyll's adventures and travels are depicted with verve and vibrancy, through the war, whilst encountering a wide array of characters, including real life historical figures of the time.

Kehlmann's venerates art of the story in his own stellar, philosophical and thought provoking, historical fantasy novel. There is a charm, intelligence, humour and playfulness in the narrative amidst the terrors of war, the intrigues and plots, with the captivating imagery that cannot fail to snag the interest of the reader. Highly recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction but really for anyone looking for great fiction with the added bonus of an insightful look at aspects of European history and folklore through innovative and imaginative eyes. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.

It may seem a cliche, but my first thoughts on this book are how skilled the author must be to keep you the reader precariously balanced like Tyll himself, observing these fragments in time. Some moments don't seem to make sense nor have any connection, and even though a larger picture is eventually revealed, it certainly is not entirely complete. I loved the weaving of history, fantasy and folklore to tell a new story on the backdrop of war. The chapters on Elizabeth Stuart were especially a well received surprise so I was very happy that Tyll's final comments were to the Winter Queen herself. But Tyll of course and to a smaller degree Nele are truly the stars of the book. From boy to man, from bravado to wit and even occasionally fear, he is an enthralling character. Already I am considering a second read, curious what details I may have missed while distracted by the legendary jester.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

In Tyll Daniel Kehlam inserts a German legend from medioeval folkore into the Thirty Years war. He draws Tyll Ulenspiegel as the son of a miller in a village, who lives with his father Claus, his head in books, spells and healing and his mother Agneta, and the miller's hands.
One day, during a trip with Agneta and one of the hand the woman is forced to go back because she's giving birth earlier and Tyll is left with a cart full of flour near a forest, inhabited by the Cold Woman, goblins and spirits. When they come back for him, days later, he's not the same person he was before. When Jesuits, dr Tesimond and dr Kircher, accused Claus of witchcraft, forcing both Tyll and his mother to denounce him, Tyll runs away with his friend Nele, leaving before his father is hanged. They started a long journey together, first joining other travellers like Gottfried and then the more expert, but cruel and violent Permin.
They learned from him how to juggle, Tyll become even more good in walking the rope, hobby he learned by himself when he was young. In time he built his own name as jester, travelling around first only with Nele, then with a donkey he taught how to speak and then with an old woman, travelling the country during the Thirty years war.
So he and Nele found themselves as fools for the Winter King and Winter Queen, at The Hague, fooling the court there. Tyll, running away from cannonballs and projectiles when a count is sent to retrieve him to join the Kaiser. Almost killed in the mines, forced to volunteer. Letting go Nele who decided to marry and live with a mathematicus in a castle. Being in the Kaiser's court. Befriending the Winter Queen and meeting her during her exile.

This book is very peculiar. Set during the Thirty years war, it swings from past to present, from one POV to another, mixing fantasy and realism. It's divided in seven parts:
In Shoes we read about the childhood of Tyll, about his father, witch-hunters and Tyll and Nele running away.
In Zusmarshausen a fat count is sent to found Tyll and bring him to the Kaiser.
Kings in winter narrated the story of the starts of the Thirty years war, with the Elector palatine Friedrich and his wife Elizabeth Stuart, while Tyll and Nele were part of their court.
In Hunger we are back in Tyll's and Nele's childhoods, witnessing Pirmin's abuses and their hunger.
The great art of light and shadow Tyll and Nele works in their circus and met men who wants to found a dragon to cure the plague.
In the shaft Tyll is forced to fight in the war and he asserted with strenght his unbelievable desire to live.
Westphalia comes back to Elizabeth Stuart and her attempts to win back the electoral dignity for her son, meeting Tyll for the last time.

This book was complex and interesting, a mix of adventure, historical fiction, fantasy and built in a peculiar way, swinging from past to present, with multiple POVs (Tyll's, the fat count, Elizabeth, Friedrich, Kircher...). I found it a bit slow, sometimes, but overall is a very good and interesting book.
Tyll is a captivating and curious character. He's full of life and jest, always ready to joke and run. His love for freedom is magnificent. It impressed me what he says to the offer to the exiled and deposed queen, when she asks him to follow her in England and live a more comfortable life. He don't want to die. His desire to live, to explore and move on is really strong. Half a legend and half human, in the book of course, I really liked his character. Nele was an amazing companion, I liked her very much and their small family, talking donkey, called Origenes, included.
I liked Elizabeth, too. It's weird considering an historical figure as a book character, but I liked her ambition, her determination, her strenght.
It was weird and enthralling reading historical facts and characters mixed with fantasy, forest full of goblins, ghost of stillborn children who haunt the living, talking donkey, walking rope jester.