All Days Are Night by Peter Stamm, was not my favourite of his titles while reading it, but over time has grown in my mind. I read it for the exceptional writing, believing Stamm would bring it all together, and he did. Disorienting, perceptive, and in the end compassionate.
Gillian is a successful television host who, along with her husband, was in a terrible car accident. Matthias was drunk and dies at the scene. Gillian wakes up in the hospital a broken mess, even her face is smashed in, and must now endure months of reconstruction to begin a new life. Naturally she is bitter and angry, feeling trapped. She recalls an extramarital affair she had with Hubert, a famous artist profiled on her TV show.
The novel shifts to Hubert, all these years later teaching art and taking a residence at a mountain resort for the Summer. Ostensibly gearing up for a show of new art work, he has no direction and wonders where his inspiration has gone. When Gillian leaves the hospital, she tracks him down at the resort and enters his life again.
Gillian has gone through a lot, but I didn't like her as a person. From her description Hubert was also self interested, but when we discover the years from his perspective, that changes - moreso when Gillian arrives at the resort. They have a fresh slate and have both been changed by time. Gillian is lighter and more open, Hubert finding new inspiration.
Again, Stamm's writing stands out and I recommend any reader who enjoys the beauty of words to seek him out. These are the kind of books I'd like to keep in hardcover, knowing I will enjoy them again.
2013 / Hardcover / 185 pages
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