Thomas Bernhard
Thomas Bernhard was an Austrian novelist, playwright, and poet. Known for his critical and often controversial works, he is considered one of the most important authors of the 20th century in the German-speaking world.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Woodcutters
Woodcutters is a darkly humorous critique of Vienna's artistic elite. The story takes place over the course of a single evening, as the narrator attends a dinner party in honor of a recently successful actor. As the evening progresses, he reflects on the pretentiousness and hypocrisy of the guests, the mediocrity of their artistic achievements, and the tragic suicide of his former lover. The novel is a scathing indictment of the vanity and self-delusion of the artistic community.
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2. Extinction
"Extinction" is a novel that explores the dark and complex themes of family, identity, and history through the eyes of its protagonist, a professor living in Rome. When he receives news of the deaths of his parents and brother in a car accident, he is forced to confront his past and his Austrian heritage. The narrative delves into his thoughts and feelings, his criticisms of his family and society, and his philosophical musings on life and death, all while he prepares to return to his family's estate for the funeral. The novel is renowned for its dense, stream-of-consciousness style and its unflinching examination of the human condition.
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3. Concrete
The book is a darkly introspective narrative that delves into the mind of a reclusive, obsessive intellectual who is struggling to complete his scholarly work on the composer Mendelssohn. As he grapples with his own ailments and the perceived mediocrity of his surroundings, the protagonist's stream-of-consciousness monologue reveals his deep-seated anxieties, self-loathing, and profound isolation. The narrative is a relentless examination of the protagonist's psyche, showcasing his critical view of society and his own personal relationships, which are fraught with tension and dysfunction. Through this, the novel explores themes of artistic creation, intellectual elitism, and the suffocating nature of expectations and familial obligations.
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4. Correction
"Correction" is a complex narrative revolving around the life of a man named Roithamer, a genius obsessed with constructing an architectural masterpiece, the Cone, in the center of the Kobernausser forest. The story is told through the perspective of his friend who is reading Roithamer's notes after his suicide. The novel explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the pursuit of perfection, while also delving into the protagonist's troubled relationships with his family and society.
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5. Wittgenstein's Nephew
A Friendship
"Wittgenstein's Nephew" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the friendship between the narrator and his friend Paul, who is the nephew of the famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The story takes place in Vienna and is set against the backdrop of the Austrian mental health system. The novel delves into themes of sanity, insanity, and the fine line that separates the two, while also offering a critique of Austrian society. It is a meditation on the nature of illness, both physical and mental, and the impact it has on personal relationships and one's perception of the world.
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6. Frost
Set in a remote, snow-covered Austrian village, the narrative follows a young medical student dispatched to observe an eccentric painter who has retreated from society. Through the student's eyes, readers are drawn into the painter's world of existential despair and philosophical musings, as he grapples with the futility of life and the oppressive nature of his surroundings. The stark, wintry landscape mirrors the painter's inner turmoil, creating a haunting exploration of isolation, madness, and the relentless pursuit of meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.
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7. The Loser
"The Loser" is a philosophical novel that revolves around the complex relationship between three friends who are all piano virtuosos. The narrative is driven by the protagonist's obsession with his friend's suicide, which he believes was triggered by the realization that they could never surpass the genius of their third friend. The book delves into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with themes of talent, ambition, failure, and the destructive power of comparison.
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8. The Origin
A Memoir
Set against the backdrop of post-war Austria, this autobiographical novel delves into the oppressive and stifling atmosphere of a Catholic boarding school. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young boy who grapples with the rigid and authoritarian educational system that seeks to crush individuality and creativity. Through vivid and often scathing prose, the protagonist reflects on the psychological impact of his formative years, highlighting themes of alienation, rebellion, and the quest for intellectual freedom amidst a society steeped in conformity and tradition.
The 6215th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Yes
The book delves into the introspective and often tumultuous thoughts of a narrator who is grappling with existential despair and isolation. Through a series of intense monologues, the narrator recounts encounters with a Persian woman, whose presence and conversations gradually draw him out of his despondency. The narrative explores themes of human connection, the search for meaning, and the struggle to overcome personal anguish. The protagonist's journey is marked by a profound internal conflict, ultimately leading to a subtle yet significant transformation influenced by the unexpected relationship.
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10. Heldenplatz
Set against the backdrop of Vienna, this provocative play delves into the deep-seated trauma and disillusionment of a Jewish family grappling with the haunting memories of the Holocaust and the pervasive anti-Semitism that still lingers in Austrian society. Through the lens of a family mourning the death of their patriarch, the narrative unfolds with a raw and unflinching critique of post-war Austria, exposing the hypocrisy and denial that permeate its cultural and political landscape. The characters' dialogues are laced with bitterness and despair, painting a stark picture of a nation struggling to reconcile with its past while failing to embrace genuine change.
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11. Autobiography
This autobiographical work delves into the tumultuous and often bleak life of a young man growing up in post-war Austria. Through a series of vivid and introspective narratives, the author reflects on his experiences with illness, the oppressive nature of institutional education, and the complex relationships with his family. The narrative is marked by a profound sense of alienation and a relentless quest for identity and meaning amidst the harsh realities of his environment. The prose is characterized by its stark honesty and a deep, underlying critique of societal norms and expectations.
The 6902nd Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Old Masters
The Comedy of the Art World
Set in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, this novel unfolds over the course of a single afternoon as two elderly men engage in a spirited dialogue about art, music, and the human condition. One of them, an art critic, is fixated on a Tintoretto painting, which serves as a backdrop for his scathing critique of society and culture. Through their conversation, the narrative delves into themes of disillusionment, the search for truth, and the complexities of human relationships, all delivered with a sharp wit and a touch of existential despair.
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13. The Lime Works
In a chilling exploration of isolation and obsession, the narrative unfolds through the fragmented recollections of various townspeople, piecing together the life of a reclusive man who has secluded himself in an abandoned lime works. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he subjects his wife to a series of relentless and bizarre experiments, ultimately leading to a tragic and mysterious end. The story delves into the depths of human madness, the destructive power of unchecked ambition, and the haunting consequences of a life consumed by a singular, all-consuming purpose.
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14. Perturbação
Set in a small Austrian village, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young medical assistant accompanying a doctor on his rounds. The story delves into the lives of the villagers, each grappling with their own existential crises and psychological disturbances. Through a series of encounters, the protagonist becomes a silent observer of human suffering, madness, and the absurdity of life. The bleak and introspective tone highlights the pervasive sense of despair and the futility of seeking meaning in a world riddled with chaos and perturbation.
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15. Gelo
Set against the backdrop of a small Austrian village, the narrative delves into the complex relationship between a young man and his father, a retired schoolteacher. Through the protagonist's introspective journey, the story explores themes of familial obligation, the oppressive nature of small-town life, and the search for personal identity amidst societal expectations. The protagonist's internal conflict is mirrored by the harsh, unforgiving winter landscape, which serves as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological barriers he faces. The narrative is marked by a stark, unflinching examination of the human condition, characterized by Bernhard's signature style of dark humor and existential reflection.
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16. Gathering Evidence
A Memoir
This memoir offers a poignant and introspective exploration of a young man's tumultuous journey through adolescence amidst the backdrop of post-war Austria. Through a series of vivid recollections, the narrative delves into the protagonist's struggles with illness, his strained familial relationships, and the oppressive atmosphere of the institutions he encounters. The story is marked by a profound sense of alienation and a relentless quest for meaning, capturing the essence of a life marked by both despair and resilience. The narrative's stark honesty and evocative prose provide a compelling insight into the complexities of human experience.
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17. Goethe Dies
Set against the backdrop of the final days of a literary giant, this narrative delves into the existential musings and reflections of a celebrated writer as he confronts his impending mortality. Through a series of poignant and often sardonic dialogues with his closest confidants, the story explores themes of legacy, the futility of artistic pursuits, and the inevitable decline of the human condition. The protagonist's sharp wit and unyielding introspection paint a vivid portrait of a mind grappling with the end of an era, both personally and culturally, offering a profound meditation on life, death, and the enduring power of words.
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18. My Prizes
An Accounting
In this collection of autobiographical essays, the author offers a candid and often humorous reflection on the various literary prizes he received throughout his career. Each essay delves into the absurdities and contradictions of the literary world, revealing his ambivalence towards the accolades and the institutions that bestow them. Through his sharp wit and unflinching honesty, he explores themes of vanity, recognition, and the complex relationship between an artist and their work, providing a unique insight into the mind of a celebrated yet often controversial writer.
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19. Walking
In this introspective and philosophical narrative, two friends embark on a series of walks, engaging in profound discussions that delve into the complexities of human existence, the nature of madness, and the absurdity of life. Through their dialogues, the story explores themes of isolation, despair, and the relentless search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The narrative is marked by a stream-of-consciousness style, capturing the intricate thoughts and reflections of the characters as they navigate the existential landscape of their minds.
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20. The Voice Imitator
This collection of 104 short stories presents a series of vignettes that delve into the absurdities and tragedies of human existence. Each story, often only a few sentences long, captures a moment of irony, despair, or dark humor, reflecting the author's characteristic pessimism and critique of society. Through a minimalist style, the narratives explore themes of identity, failure, and the futility of life, offering a fragmented yet poignant commentary on the human condition.
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21. Origem
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22. Yürümek • Evet
Set against the backdrop of a small Austrian town, the narrative delves into the existential musings of its protagonist as he embarks on a solitary walk. Through a stream of consciousness style, the story explores themes of isolation, the absurdity of societal norms, and the relentless pursuit of meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The protagonist's internal monologue reveals a deep-seated disillusionment with modern life, as he grapples with the complexities of human existence and the paradoxes of freedom and constraint.
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23. Midland In Stilfs. Drei Erzählungen
Drei Erzählungen
Set against the backdrop of the serene yet haunting landscapes of the South Tyrolean Alps, this collection of three interconnected stories delves into the complexities of human nature and the inescapable grip of existential despair. Through the eyes of different protagonists, the narratives explore themes of isolation, the relentless passage of time, and the struggle for meaning in a world that often seems indifferent. The prose is marked by a stark, introspective style that captures the inner turmoil of its characters, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.
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24. Der Italiener
Set against the backdrop of a small Austrian village, the narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the pervasive sense of isolation that permeates the lives of its inhabitants. The story unfolds through the introspective musings of the protagonist, who grapples with the haunting memories of his past and the oppressive atmosphere of his surroundings. As he navigates the intricacies of familial obligations and societal expectations, the protagonist's internal struggle becomes a poignant reflection on the nature of existence, identity, and the inescapable weight of tradition.
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25. Amras
Set in the aftermath of a family tragedy, the narrative delves into the lives of two brothers who find themselves isolated in a tower on the outskirts of Innsbruck. As they grapple with the haunting memories of their parents' suicide and their own failed attempt to end their lives, the story unfolds through a series of introspective monologues and reflections. The brothers' confinement becomes a metaphor for their mental and emotional entrapment, as they oscillate between despair and fleeting moments of hope, exploring themes of existential angst, familial bonds, and the search for meaning in a world overshadowed by loss.
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26. Ungenach
In this introspective narrative, the protagonist returns to his family estate after the death of his brother, only to be confronted with the oppressive weight of his inheritance and the memories of a past life he had long abandoned. As he navigates the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion, he reflects on the existential burdens of familial duty and the inescapable ties that bind him to a place he once sought to escape. Through a series of internal monologues, the story delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the haunting presence of history, painting a vivid portrait of a man caught between the desire for freedom and the inevitability of his roots.
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27. Ja.
In this introspective narrative, a reclusive scientist grapples with existential despair and the futility of human endeavors while living in a secluded Austrian village. His monotonous routine is disrupted by an encounter with a Persian woman, whose own struggles with alienation and cultural displacement mirror his internal turmoil. Through their conversations, the two characters explore themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world, ultimately revealing the profound impact of human connection and the relentless pursuit of understanding amidst life's uncertainties.
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28. Der Keller. Eine Entziehung
Eine Entziehung
In this introspective narrative, the protagonist recounts his transformative journey from a stifling school environment to the liberating yet challenging world of a grocery store basement. This shift marks a pivotal moment in his life, as he embraces the chaos and unpredictability of the real world, finding solace and a sense of identity amidst the mundane tasks and interactions with diverse characters. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the quest for personal freedom, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary yet profoundly impactful setting.
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29. Mis Premios
A mordantly comic set of autobiographical vignettes about receiving literary prizes, in which the narrator skewers the pomp, hypocrisy, and provincialism of the cultural establishment while admitting his own opportunism; amid awkward ceremonies, illnesses, and quarrelsome speeches—often followed by extravagant meals and shopping with his aunt—each award becomes a caustic meditation on money, vanity, and the absurdity of public honors.
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30. Korrektur
A first-person narrator chronicles the life of an ascetic, compulsive man who withdraws to the countryside and dedicates himself to a single obsessive project: the precise design and construction of a cone-shaped refuge meant to remedy and regulate the life of a fragile loved one. The novel traces how his demand for absolute geometrical and moral order, his self-isolation, and relentless perfectionism warp relationships and understanding, driving both creator and intended beneficiary toward a bleak, irrevocable outcome.
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32. Prosa
A darkly comic and fiercely insistent collection of short prose pieces in which a singular, ranting voice delivers caustic meditations on art, society, illness, and mortality; through repetition, bitter irony, and obsessive scrutiny the narrator exposes hypocrisy and banality while revealing a tormented intelligence and profound loneliness.
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33. Ave Virgilius
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34. Undergångaren
An unnamed narrator recalls studying piano at the Mozarteum alongside two others, including the dazzling Glenn Gould, and traces how one friend’s obsessive identification with Gould’s supreme artistry and the narrator’s own mingled admiration and resentment lead to that friend’s psychological collapse and ruin; in a compact, bitterly repetitive monologue the narrator probes envy, failure, guilt and the destructive demands of genius on friendship and the self.
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