SEBASTIAN by Christoph Fischer - REVIEW by Susan Tarr - 5 star Goodreads. This work has been a journey through an entirely new culture for me. The descriptions are delightful; the boy, Sebastian, and his beautiful stoic personality, the hospital staff, women, and his eclectic family. The indepth explanation about surgery and prosthetics of the time was most interesting. What a great read. Meticulously researched and knit together. This is a refreshing journey into early 19th century European households, the lack of some and the luxury of others, and the trials and loves. Very well written with an easy flow and feel. If I could make one suggestion, that would be to introduce Sebastian more prominently in the early stages of the book. I found myself eager to read more about him, seeking more interaction with him. An unexpected turn of events was in the form of Ingeborg, the new help. The scheming minx! With the grandparents’ squabbles, I was mesmerised. Religion, occult, affairs, discretions and honour, deceit and family love. Introduction of a lesbian is a delightful twist. I was not expecting that one. The more personal scenes are tastefully written. Although there is a lot of narrative, it is effective in bring the reader face to face with the history of the time. Austria, Jews, Vienna, the war, Christians; the whole tapestry. There must have been endless months of research to make this book exactly what it is with minute attention to detail keeping me immersed in the various cultures. Right down to knitting socks for soldiers, and the soup kitchen. Simple folk just trying to get through the hard years, and gentry trying to deal with their boredom - a deep insight into the various personalities. I love the sharp edge of the author’s voice. Not acerbic, just sharp. He has an eloquent way of expressing himself without resorting to gratuitous swearing, crude descriptions or violence. Authenticity reverberates through this classic work
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 08:42:16 +0000
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