In some kind of institution, maybe a hospital or rehabilitation center, we are introduced to Wert, a disturbed, traumatized man still suffering the horrors of his experience as a soldier fighting in an unidentified conflict. A patient or prisoner, Wert writes down his memories of the war; his impressions of his current, ill-defined treatment; and his reflections on his own psychological well-being. When at last released, Wert undertakes a long journey to the east, and slowly recognizes the events of his life as being reminiscent of episodes from ancient epic narratives--as though his entire story has simply been the reenactment of a tale first told thousands of years before. Chipping away at its narrative through short, rhythmic, poetic sentences; combining the worlds of the avant-garde and the ancient epic; and revealing the interconnectedness of psychology, lived experience, and the written word, "Wert and the Life Without End" is a masterpiece of self-reflective storytelling.

About the Author
Claude Ollier, one of the major forces behind the "nouveau roman" and recipient of several prestigious literary awards, including the Prix Me decis, is the author of more than twenty books of fiction, drama, memoir, and criticism. Ursula Meany Scott is a literary translator from French and Spanish. She holds an M. Phil in literary translation from Trinity College, Dublin, and her translations have appeared in two volumes of the "Best European Fiction" series to date.


Book Information
ISBN 9781564786265
Author Claude Ollier
Format Paperback
Page Count 267
Imprint Dalkey Archive Press
Publisher Dalkey Archive Press
Weight(grams) 340g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 137mm * 22mm