On the Edge: A Novel - Softcover

Markus Werner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1908323221 ISBN 13: 9781908323224

Publisher: Haus, 2012

Synopsis

On a visit to a mountain retreat the young divorce lawyer Thomas Clarin encounters Thomas Loos, an ageing classical philologist, on the terrace of the Bellavista Hotel. The extrovert Clarin strikes up a conversation, but soon realises that he got more than he bargained for. In the brooding Loos he has met his exact opposite and a man who starts to question his the validity of hedonistic and selfish world. But Clarin is not a successful lawyer for nothing, and in turn he starts to question the introvert Loos, pushing him to the edge, only to discover that they are both forced to look over into the abyss. Werner captures the dialogue between the two men brilliantly and portrays two very different and opposing attitudes to life, love and loss. Clarin doesn t get emotionally involved, that way, he reasons, you don t get hurt. The grieving widower Loos says that the pain of loss is the price you pay for true love. But what are the consequences of each man s attitude towards the women in their lives? The more Clarin cross-examines Loos about the death of his wife was it suicide? the more he feels their lives are connected and he is forced to question his cherished ideals, his moral code and his last love.

About this title

About the Author

Markus Werner is a multi-award-winning Swiss author, who published his first novel in 1984. On the Edge is the first of his novels to be translated into English. He has won twelve literary awards and prizes since the publication of his first novel, Zündels Abgang.

Edition details

• Publisher: Haus
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1908323221
• ISBN 13: 9781908323224
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256