Robert Walser

Robert Walser was a Swiss writer who lived from 1878 to 1956. He is known for his highly original, reflective, and often whimsical prose, as well as his distinctive, idiosyncratic style. Walser wrote novels, short stories, essays, and a wide range of other literary works. His most famous works include 'Jakob von Gunten', 'The Assistant', and 'The Walk'. Despite his talent, he spent much of his life in relative obscurity and worked in various professions. In his later years, he lived in a sanatorium, where he continued to write in secret. Walser's work has gained recognition posthumously and he is now considered an important figure in modernist literature.

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.

  1. 1. Jakob Von Gunten

    This novel is a first-person account of a young man who leaves his privileged life to enroll at a school for servants in Berlin. The protagonist's observations and experiences in the school, his interactions with the headmaster and other students, and his internal struggles and reflections form the crux of the story. The narrative, imbued with irony and dark humor, explores themes of power, submission, individuality, and the absurdity of societal norms and expectations.

  2. 2. Selected Stories

    "Selected Stories" is a compilation of short stories that delve into the intricacies of everyday life, the inner workings of the human psyche, and the subtle interplay between the mundane and the extraordinary. The collection showcases the author's unique narrative voice and his ability to capture the fleeting moments of beauty and absurdity in the lives of ordinary people. With a keen eye for detail and a gentle sense of humor, the stories range from whimsical musings to poignant reflections, all told with a lyrical simplicity that invites readers to find joy and wonder in the most unexpected places.