Billiards at Half-Past Nine (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Boll, Heinrich

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140187243 ISBN 13: 9780140187243

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1994

Synopsis

Boll's well-known, vehement opposition to fascism and war informs this moving story of Robert Faehmel. After being drawn into the Second World War to command retreating German forces despite his anti-Nazi feelings, Faehmel struggles to re-establish a normal life at war's end. He adheres to a rigorous schedule, including a daily game of billiards. When his routine is breached by an old friend, now a power in German reconstruction, Faehmel is forced to confront both public and private memories.

About this title

Review:

'...his work reaches the highest level of creative originality and stylistic perfection.' --The Daily Telegraph

The claim that Böll is a true successor to Thomas Mann, can be defended by his novel Billiards at Half Past Nine. --The Scotsman

In addition to recounting a tale of lives torn apart by war, this novel stands as a masterpiece of character. I read it years ago but still recall how each of the characters comes to life. The story, set in post-WWII Germany is both understated and wrenching - a true accomplishment.' --Jeffrey Deaver , The Week

About the Author:

An internationally acclaimed writer, Heinrich Böll's work has been compared with that of Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway and Thomas Mann. Always politically outspoken, he was a founder member of the famous Gruppe 47 and won a succession of German literary prizes as well as the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972. Two other books by Böll: The Clown and Absent Without Leave are also available in paperback from Marion Boyars.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0140187243
• ISBN 13: 9780140187243
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288