FICTION

Agnes

by Peter Stamm
Other. Sept. 2016. 160p. tr. from German by Michael Hofmann. ISBN 9783442725502. $18.95. F
COPY ISBN
Award-winning Swiss author Stamm (All Days Are Night) here returns to his best-selling debut, which features a man writing an increasingly and dangerously embroidered narrative about his lover, Agnes. "'Write a story about me,…' she said, 'so I know what you think of me,' " the cheerfully open Agnes begs after meeting him at the public library, where he is doing research. His account of their love affair is initially true to life, but soon he is stage managing events and manipulating her ruthlessly for grander and riskier effect. Limpidly told, the plot rushes forward, reading like a domestic thriller while unearthing questions about power, relationships, and the trouble we have distinguishing truth from fiction.
VERDICT Even though we know what will happen to Agnes—it's announced on the first page
Reviewed by Barbara Hoffert , Oct 01, 2016
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Trouble Island
by Short, Sharon
FICTION

The Lodge
by Olson, Kayla
FICTION

Lightfall
by Crocker, Ed
FICTION

Symbiote
by Nayak, Michael
FICTION

Once Smitten, Twice Shy
by Liese, Chloe
FICTION

Harlem Rhapsody
by Murray, Victoria Christopher
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?