In this book, which is part memoir, part essay collection, Jenny Erpenbeck explores what it means to grow up in a country that no longer exists. She uses literature, her own and others, to examine the world we live in. What does it mean to have memories of a place that only exists in history? Erpenbeck shines most when she's recounting childhood experiences growing up in East Berlin. And because it is an Erpenbeck book, the essays all tie into what borders and immigration is doing to society. Why do we celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall but still believe in strict immigration laws? The fact is, is that we have decided some immigrants are good and others are bad, and Erpenbeck beautifully writes about how this is the exact wrong thing to do and how it has led to tragedy, over and over. I loved reading about what it was like for her to grow up in the GDR, She doesn't leave out the negative aspects while also leaving the reader with an understanding that her childhood was wonderful in many ways. Erpenbeck's style is concise while also being very witty and smart.

My Goodreads review linked here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3453704301

This is the kind of writing I live for! By the time I finished the first few essays, I knew this would end up being one of my favorite books published in 2020. When I was about a third of the way through, I decided to pre-order several copies to give to friends. I've NEVER done that before, but I love this book THAT much.

"Why does a person want to write? I think we want to write because we find it hard to make ourselves understood. Because we find that things fall by the wayside when we speak. In fact, as strange as it sounds, the most important reason that we write is probably that we are at a loss for words."


This collection is a super quick read. It covers topics such as memory, rebirth, death, borders, the Berlin Wall, what it's like to mourn and grieve lost people, lost places, and lost time, the writing process, politics.

The writing is matter of fact, witty, sometimes somber, but that may just be because it is so honest. I was really drawn to the essays that touch on how memory can be held in physical spaces, destroyed buildings, or inherited belongings and objects. Erpenbeck's writing on grieving the settings that provided a backdrop to our past lives and experiences (like in childhood) absolutely slayed me. There are also texts provided of Erpenbeck's lectures on writing and storytelling that I want everyone who writes stories or plays to read. They're incredible.

THE WISDOM THE POWER the beauty contained in this small collection. Agh. Clearly words fail me. If you're looking for somethin' profound, somethin' to sit in your gut, something that makes you feel connected to all of humanity, this is for you. Gave me Deborah Levy wisdom vibes. I wish Jenny Erpenbeck was my friend. My heart is full.

Thank you to #NetGalley and New Directions for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.