Kehlmann, Daniel

The nonlinear time line may puzzle, and readers unfamiliar with late 16th-century European politics may find many of the references confusing. In the end, this retelling of a famous German legend will work best for niche readers who appreciate a challenge, portrayals of feudal society reminiscent of Jim Crace’s excellent Harvest, or, Game of Thrones–style gore.

This appealing, well-written novel by Kehlmann (Measuring the World) realistically portrays the brothers' everyday lives as they occasionally stumble into shadowy and mysterious areas.

The characters in all of these stories wrestle with fame: some have it but don't want it or don't appreciate it, while others who don't have it desperately want it. The result is an engrossing, complex, and humorous work that reminds us we're all connected, even though we often don't notice it. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 4/15/10.]