Description
Rooted in the author's firsthand experience as an East German who bore witness to the fall of the Berlin Wall at the age of sixteen, Distant Signs explores the complexity of familial bonds, love, and life behind and beyond the iron curtain. Against the backdrop of seismic political upheaval in 1960s East Germany Margret, a professor's daughter hailing from the city, and Hans, a man rooted in a tranquil Thuringian forest village are embroiled in a family saga. Their love story is colored by the clash of their disparate origins and the lingering emotional wounds inflicted by a war-torn childhood. As historical events play out, the secrets of two families are revealed. Anne Richter's exquisite prose translated from German by Douglas Irving, paints a vivid portrait of a society marked by change while paying homage to the quiet strength that exists within the most trying of times.
About the Author
Anne Richter was born in 1973 in Jena, in the former German Democratic Republic. Her degree in Romance languages and English included study periods in England, Italy and France. In 2011, Anne was nominated for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, a highly regarded German-language literary award. Her debut novel, Distant Signs, was published in Germany in 2013. Anne is currently writing her second novel. Douglas Irving is Scottish. He studied German and Spanish at Aberdeen University. In 2014 he completed a Masters in Translation at Glasgow University. His first translation, Crossing: A Love Story by Anna Seghers was published in 2016 in the US to positive reviews. His translation of Anna Seghers' last work published in her lifetime, Three Women from Haiti, is set to follow.
Reviews
"A fascinating and truly memorable read concentrating on one family, with the centre of the story resting in East Germany...This is such an incredibly intimate novel, my understanding altered as I read, as events became clear. I always know that I've thoroughly enjoyed a novel when I want to research the history and time it is set in. I just want to say that the translation is excellent, with a glossary of terms and literary references also available. 'Distant Signs' set my thoughts thrumming, it is so intriguing, compelling and beautifully readable too." -- Liz Robinson, Love Reading, UK; "Distant Signs is a hugely thought provoking read, one which I think will linger on in my head long after I've finished reading it. It's hard to put into words precisely what it was about the writing that captured my attention the most, perhaps the gentle tone or maybe the seriousness of the topic being discussed, but it all culminates in the exploration of themes and characters that draws the reader in and holds them fast." -- @TheQuietKnitter; "The author's in-depth detailed construction of character deserves to be savoured and not rushed. I was totally committed to both Hans and Margret, along with the supporting cast of characters who have such an impact on how the story progresses...This is a compelling, quiet and finely crafted novel. Astutely demonstrates the effects of war and the aftermath on the ordinary citizen." -- Anne Cater, Random Things Through My Letterbox; "A subtle, thought-provoking book, dare I say, an elegant take on the post-war period in the GDR." -- Claire Storey Languages Blog
Book Information
ISBN 9781911107095
Author Anne Richter
Format Paperback
Page Count 226
Imprint Neem Tree Press Limited
Publisher Neem Tree Press Limited
Weight(grams) 215g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 135mm * 20mm
About the Author
Anne Richter was born in 1973 in Jena, in the former German Democratic Republic. Her degree in Romance languages and English included study periods in England, Italy and France. In 2011, Anne was nominated for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, a highly regarded German-language literary award. Her debut novel, Distant Signs, was published in Germany in 2013. Anne is currently writing her second novel. Douglas Irving is Scottish. He studied German and Spanish at Aberdeen University. In 2014 he completed a Masters in Translation at Glasgow University. His first translation, Crossing: A Love Story by Anna Seghers was published in 2016 in the US to positive reviews. His translation of Anna Seghers' last work published in her lifetime, Three Women from Haiti, is set to follow.
Reviews
"A fascinating and truly memorable read concentrating on one family, with the centre of the story resting in East Germany...This is such an incredibly intimate novel, my understanding altered as I read, as events became clear. I always know that I've thoroughly enjoyed a novel when I want to research the history and time it is set in. I just want to say that the translation is excellent, with a glossary of terms and literary references also available. 'Distant Signs' set my thoughts thrumming, it is so intriguing, compelling and beautifully readable too." -- Liz Robinson, Love Reading, UK; "Distant Signs is a hugely thought provoking read, one which I think will linger on in my head long after I've finished reading it. It's hard to put into words precisely what it was about the writing that captured my attention the most, perhaps the gentle tone or maybe the seriousness of the topic being discussed, but it all culminates in the exploration of themes and characters that draws the reader in and holds them fast." -- @TheQuietKnitter; "The author's in-depth detailed construction of character deserves to be savoured and not rushed. I was totally committed to both Hans and Margret, along with the supporting cast of characters who have such an impact on how the story progresses...This is a compelling, quiet and finely crafted novel. Astutely demonstrates the effects of war and the aftermath on the ordinary citizen." -- Anne Cater, Random Things Through My Letterbox; "A subtle, thought-provoking book, dare I say, an elegant take on the post-war period in the GDR." -- Claire Storey Languages Blog
Book Information
ISBN 9781911107095
Author Anne Richter
Format Paperback
Page Count 226
Imprint Neem Tree Press Limited
Publisher Neem Tree Press Limited
Weight(grams) 215g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 135mm * 20mm
