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Loading... In a Dark Wood (2006)by Marcel Moring
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. In a Dark Wood, by Marcel Moring is a compelling book, and one that was difficult to write my thoughts on due to the intensity of the prose, underlying themes, strong metaphors and the overall contents of the novel, part of which is slightly based on Dante’s Inferno, which is the first part of Dante’s poem, The Divine Comedy. Marcel Moring’s brilliance radiates throughout the pages, and his masterful writing is intense and filled with much to ponder, from metaphors to religious symbolism. I highly recommend In a Dark Wood, by Marcel Moring to those interested in the study of the after-effects, the human emotions and the trauma resulting from the Holocaust and how it can affect those who have survived the atrociousness. no reviews | add a review
In a rich tapestry of styles, fantasy, and philosophical speculations, Marcel Möring leads us on a voyage through the dark heart of the twentieth century and through a vivid exploration of loss and guilt. Loosely based on Dante's Inferno, this ambitious and enthralling novel--an in-depth study of Europeans' angst and fear after the Holocaust--confirms Möring's place among "the ranks of the most important European writers of his generation" (Die Welt). 1945. Jacob Noah emerges from hiding to discover that his family has perished under the Nazis. Rebuilding his life, Noah becomes a shoemaker in the Dutch town of Assen. Over the years, he patiently expands his business and eventually becomes the city's most influential entrepreneur. Yet success cannot alleviate his loneliness and suffering nor the tragedy of history. Nearly forty years later, this dispirited, loveless man veers off the road in a tragic accident. But instead of entering death's abyss, Noah finds himself on a journey through his soul. Guided by a peddler, he descends into the town's smoky center, a manmade hell reminiscent of Dante's Inferno. But it is not until he encounters a young man named Marcus Kolpa, a respected intellectual struggling with the implications of his Jewish identity and the shared history of his people, that Noah is able to truly understand the meaning of his own life and the tragedies he has experienced. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)839.31364Literature German and related languages Other Germanic literatures Netherlandish literatures Dutch Dutch fiction 20th Century 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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In a Dark Wood: A Novel is an urgent retelling of the Inferno as by Patrick White. Ulysses, The Odyssey and The Flounder are all at play. There are also motorcycles, plenty of them -- and beer. This tale may involve survival but certainly not redemption. I have my doubts about the former as the central character emerges damaged and bereft, a healing transformation isn't in the cards. What was actualized within the novel was the incontinence of memory and a diminution of empathy post-Shoah.
3.5 stars
Soundtrack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JchD-NZWPM ( )