Our book of the week is
LÁZÁR by Nelio Biedermann translated by Jamie Bulloch. This
sweeping historical novel about the aristocratic von Lázár family
during the 20th century from the Austro Hungarian empire
through to Russian occupation is a buzzy debut which has received
much praise. Patti Smith, Dua Lipa and Christian Kracht are
fans.
It prompted some questions:
Is One Hundred years of Solitude a good
comparison?
What is the meaning of the translucent
skin and gothic forest?
Can you spot the modern literature
references (Anna missed most of them!)
Here are some read-alikes if you enjoyed Lázár:
Held by Anne Michaels
Beddebrooks by Thomas Mann
The Director by Daniel Kehlmann translated
by Ross Benjamin
The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth
translated by Michael Hofmann