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. Measuring the World

   

   "Measuring the World" is a historical novel that reimagines the lives of two brilliant and driven men, German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and German geographer Alexander von Humboldt. The narrative alternates between the two protagonists, exploring their individual quests to quantify and understand the world. Gauss, a child prodigy from a poor family, rises to become one of the greatest mathematicians in history, while Humboldt, a wealthy and ambitious explorer, embarks on a five-year journey across South America. Their paths converge in a humorous and touching manner, highlighting the contrast between their approaches to knowledge and discovery.

   The 2483rd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Tyll

   

   The novel is a reimagining of the legendary figure Tyll Ulenspiegel, set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years' War in 17th-century Europe. It follows Tyll, a cunning and enigmatic jester, as he navigates a world filled with chaos, violence, and superstition. Through his eyes, the reader encounters a diverse cast of historical and fictional characters, each grappling with the tumultuous realities of their time. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, power, and the enduring human spirit, all while exploring the blurred lines between reality and illusion in a war-torn landscape.

   The 6998th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Director

   

   G. W. Pabst, a celebrated European film director, flees the rise of Nazism for Hollywood only to find his reputation diminished. When he returns to Austria (renamed Ostmark) because of family illness, he and his family confront the regime’s brutality. Offered a role by Joseph Goebbels in the propaganda apparatus, Pabst faces a wrenching moral and artistic dilemma. The novel explores art, power, and the seductive illusions of the silver screen without revealing historical outcomes.

   The 9564th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Ruhm. Ein Roman In Neun Geschichten

   

   In this intricately woven narrative, a series of nine interconnected stories explore the blurred lines between reality and fiction, identity and anonymity. The characters, ranging from a famous actor to a reclusive writer, find their lives unexpectedly intertwined through a series of coincidences and misunderstandings. As each story unfolds, the boundaries of their worlds shift, revealing the complexities of human connection and the unpredictable nature of life. The tales, both humorous and poignant, delve into themes of fame, technology, and the search for meaning in an increasingly interconnected world.

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5. 5. Lichtspiel

   

   Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Germany, the narrative delves into the life of a visionary filmmaker who grapples with the rapidly evolving world of cinema and the societal changes around him. As he navigates the complexities of artistic ambition, personal relationships, and the looming shadow of political unrest, the story paints a vivid picture of an era marked by innovation and turmoil. Through a blend of historical context and fictional elements, the tale explores themes of creativity, identity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams in a world on the brink of transformation.

6. 6. Devias Ter Te Ido Embora

   

   Set against the backdrop of a small, insular town, the story delves into the intricate web of relationships and the haunting echoes of past decisions. The protagonist grapples with the weight of unfulfilled dreams and the consequences of leaving behind a life once cherished. As the narrative unfolds, themes of regret, longing, and the relentless passage of time are explored, painting a poignant picture of a life caught between what was and what could have been. The novel masterfully intertwines the personal and the universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices and the paths not taken.

7. 7. Il Re, Il Cuoco E Il Buffone

   Una Commedia Storica

   

   Set against the backdrop of a vibrant and tumultuous kingdom, this narrative weaves together the lives of three distinct characters: a powerful ruler, a culinary genius, and a witty jester. As the king grapples with the burdens of leadership, the cook crafts exquisite dishes that reflect the kingdom's rich culture, while the buffoon provides comic relief and sharp insights into the court's intrigues. Their intertwined stories explore themes of power, artistry, and the delicate balance between order and chaos, revealing the complexities of human nature and the unexpected ways in which their fates are connected.

8. 8. Fame

   A Novel in Nine Stories

   

   In this captivating narrative, a series of interconnected stories explores the multifaceted nature of identity and the impact of modern technology on human relationships. The characters, ranging from a famous actor to a reclusive writer, find their lives intertwined in unexpected ways, revealing the blurred lines between reality and illusion. As they navigate the complexities of fame, anonymity, and personal connection, the tales delve into the profound effects of digital communication on our perceptions of self and others, ultimately questioning the essence of authenticity in an increasingly virtual world.

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9. 9. F

   

   In a tale that intertwines the lives of three brothers, the narrative explores themes of identity, fate, and the elusive nature of truth. Each brother grapples with their own existential crises and the shadows of their father's mysterious disappearance. As they navigate their individual paths—one as a priest questioning his faith, another as a fraudulent art dealer, and the third as a reclusive writer—their stories converge, revealing the profound impact of family secrets and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty and deception.

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10. 10. You Should Have Left

    

    In this chilling psychological thriller, a screenwriter retreats to a remote mountain house with his wife and young daughter, hoping to find inspiration for his latest project. However, the idyllic setting soon turns sinister as the house begins to reveal its dark secrets, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. As the writer's grip on sanity loosens, he is forced to confront his deepest fears and the haunting truths about his own life, leading to a gripping and unsettling climax.

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11. 11. Lichtspel

    

12. 12. Daniel Kehlmann über Leo Perutz

    

    A concise, affectionate critical portrait that examines Leo Perutz’s life and fiction, highlighting his taste for historical settings, suspenseful plots and metaphysical puzzles, his use of irony and unreliable narrators, and the ways memory, fate and identity recur across his work; the essay combines close readings of key stories and novels with biographical context to argue for Perutz’s enduring originality and to explain why his writing merits renewed attention.