Wednesday 14 July 2021

Thomas Bernhard, The Loser

Really interesting novel about failure/unhappiness and success/happiness in art and in life, the postwar political climate in Austria and disgust with both government and citizens of all classes, envy, self-sabotage, genius (explored through Bernhard's Glenn Gould character), loss, suicide, satisfaction, acceptance, friendship, memory and reflection, narcissistic and enforced love/admiration/dazzlement. 

I wasn't crazy about Bernhard's writing style, where the whole novel is a single paragraph without any page breaks or chapters nor his repetitive syntax, but thought the story and the dynamics between the three piano virtuosos was incredibly insightful and touching.