Agnes is another captivating novel by Swiss writer Peter Stamm.
Unlike his others, this is set in America, and follows the simple story of a relationship between the narrator and Agnes, with an unusual sliding twist.
"Agnes is dead. Killed by a story. All that's left of her now is this story. It begins on that day, nine months ago, when we first met in the Chicago Public Library."
Accidental meetings turn into dates, and then possible futures. He is working on a book about luxury trains but she asks him to begin writing about their relationship - at first what may happen, then what is happening at the very moment, and into possible futures. She sometimes disagrees with his depiction of her, but the story is a separate piece that begins to grow on its own. Two people can experience the same events but interpret them in a wholly different way. When complications arise, there is a choice between reality and a happy ending.
Mysterious and reflective, this is Peter Stamm's best selling debut novel. Like the others I have read before this, his writing is so clear and engaging it doesn't matter the subject. It's just good and recommended to anyone who appreciates fine writing. I also like that the same translator, Michael Hoffman, has done all his titles. Compared to his other novels, not the most dynamic, but memorable in a unique way.
1998 / Hardcover / 147 pages
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