Reviews
One Clear Ice-cold January Morning at the Beginning of the 21st Century by Roland Schimmelpfennig
ainsleyiscariot's review
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
richard1510's review
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
kalisaur's review
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This is one of those books where I don't feel intelligent or artsy enough to understand. Clearly the wolf must be some sort of metaphor but I couldn't tell you of what. The ending is unsatisfying in that it doesn't really tie up any of the character's storylines but considering it is German, I should have seen that sort of ending coming. The character's are rather anonymous and not very likeable, though I suppose perhaps so you can see yourself reflected in them? Certainly a book that feel foreign, and it isn't just due to the copious amount of geographic names.
chloec_18's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
it seems interesting but i don't really get it tbh. i've got a lot of unanswered questions. it kind of confused me most of the time. i feel like there's an overarching meaning that would change my perspective on life but i'm not getting it. i think my brain is just not working.
jumpinggill's review
4.0
Wow, not quite sure what I just read but did enjoy myself! Was caught up in the intertwining strands of all the cast of characters, although it did take a bit of concentration to keep track of who you were with chapter by chapter and how they related to everyone else, particularly as names are used very infrequently. Ended sooner than I was expecting and was left wondering what to make of it all but was totally immersed throughout this dip into the lives of this group of people and I can see myself pondering this one fr a while to come.
samgreens2's review
4.0
One of the most unusual books I’ve read in a long time. Really enjoyed the style but wish I’d read the German original instead of the translation - next time
curlyhairedbooklover's review
5.0
It was amazing, all of the storylines were so intriguing and I really enjoyed all of them.
herials's review
4.0
I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, and I still don't quite know what to expect now that I've finished it. But I thoroughly enjoyed the journey throughout. When a wolf is seen outside Berlin for the first time in a century, the city and its surrounding area are turned upside down.
And the lives of several Germans are thrown into disarray when they actually spot the wolf.
A story of family dramas, of living our lives with and around and apart from people, knowing who you are--all this is seen in the wolf's eyes. And there's also an interesting underlying narrative about life after the Berlin wall coming down and what that means for the city.
This isn't my normal read. It's got the longest title with the shortest chapters. But it was absolutely enjoyable and dark and sad and kept me hooked.
And the lives of several Germans are thrown into disarray when they actually spot the wolf.
A story of family dramas, of living our lives with and around and apart from people, knowing who you are--all this is seen in the wolf's eyes. And there's also an interesting underlying narrative about life after the Berlin wall coming down and what that means for the city.
This isn't my normal read. It's got the longest title with the shortest chapters. But it was absolutely enjoyable and dark and sad and kept me hooked.