Concrete by Thomas Bernhard
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.
The 1411th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1982
- Nationality
- Austrian
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 150-200
- Original Language
- German
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.0)
- Alternate Titles
- - Beton
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This book is on the following 4 lists:
- 200 Books That Shaped 200 Years of Literature (The Center for Fiction)
- Best Foreign Work of Fiction Chosen by Francophone Writers (French literary magazine Transfuge)
- Fifty French Writers Choose Their Favorite 10 Books - Honourable Mention (On en garde 10 ! Pour la littérature)
- The 20 Best Books in Translation You've Never Read (Publishers Weekly)