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A review by amy_rr
After Nature by W.G. Sebald
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
The synopsis for this book described Sebald as exploring 'the conflict between man and nature'. This was particularly evident in the 2nd section of the triptych of poems which explores the life of a naturalist/ explorer, and to some extent in the final section which is autobiographical and describes the East-Anglian coastline which has been scarred by military use over the years.
However, I found the first section, which regards a painting by the renaissance painter Grunewald, far more challenging to understand, both due to my lack of knowledge on Christian art history, but also in terms of its relevance to the overarching theme of the book. After reading the article that another reviewer links to, I had a better understanding of how Sebald is defining nature in this context (in essence, 'after nature' meaning 'after the fact' - ie out of the context of its history, looking at the artwork with a personal or contemporary eye).
Having a slightly better understanding of this, I would like to re-read the book soon to appreciate it further. Aside from my own confusion, I found the prose beautiful to read with some striking imagery.
I just think that his lifetime as a scholar has made some of his musings feel inaccessible to the average reader, who will need to engage in/ research the subject matter in order to fully appreciate it. In other words, the work demands patience and commitment, or conversely an acceptance that some aspects simply won't make much sense but are enjoyable to read. In either instance it is possible to gain a personal understanding of the work after nature - or after the fact, much as Sebald himself regards Grunewald's paintings.
However, I found the first section, which regards a painting by the renaissance painter Grunewald, far more challenging to understand, both due to my lack of knowledge on Christian art history, but also in terms of its relevance to the overarching theme of the book. After reading the article that another reviewer links to, I had a better understanding of how Sebald is defining nature in this context (in essence, 'after nature' meaning 'after the fact' - ie out of the context of its history, looking at the artwork with a personal or contemporary eye).
Having a slightly better understanding of this, I would like to re-read the book soon to appreciate it further. Aside from my own confusion, I found the prose beautiful to read with some striking imagery.
I just think that his lifetime as a scholar has made some of his musings feel inaccessible to the average reader, who will need to engage in/ research the subject matter in order to fully appreciate it. In other words, the work demands patience and commitment, or conversely an acceptance that some aspects simply won't make much sense but are enjoyable to read. In either instance it is possible to gain a personal understanding of the work after nature - or after the fact, much as Sebald himself regards Grunewald's paintings.
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, Fire/Fire injury, and War