An itinerant translator, Hans, makes an unplanned stop in the (fictional) German city state of Wandernburg at some point in the 1820s. Although he only plans to stay for a single night, Hans keeps finding himself delayed, at first by the oddity of the town and his burgeoning friendship with a vagrant organ grinder and latterly by his flirtation -and eventual affair- with the proto-feminist, Sophie.
Of course, no-one who lives in Wandernburg is quite what they appear. Almost every character exhibits some degree of duplicity and it is the exposure of these secrets and misdirections that drive the story. Even the town itself is an enigma to Hans; the streets seem to shuffle of their own volition, its inhabitants are contrary and its Catholic conformity seems odd when it is encircled by Protestant neighbours. The plot, of course, is merely the vehicle through which the author can explore his real interests; philosophy, literature, history, politics, human relationships and the way in which meaning in these things are expressed, interpreted and translated.
Neuman sets out to illustrate that the process of translation mediates every aspect of human existence whether that involves reading, coquetry, criminal detection or arguments about the political power structures of continental Europe. Translation for Nueman, however, is never transparent; rather it is a negotiation with plenty of scope for misunderstanding and invention. This is somewhat ironic given that Traveller of the Century has been translated (very effectively) from Spanish into English. To translate such a dense book with such deft use of language must be a huge challenge and Caistor and Garcia's work must be on a par with William Weaver's translations of Umberto Eco.
Neuman's weighty book uses the structure and language of C19th novels but injects the unguarded eroticism, informality and intertextuality of the C21st. At times this makes for a powerful mix. For example, the staid environment of Sophie's salon is electrified by Hans' republican and romantic philosophies. His arguments, however, are driven as much by passion for Sophie as they are for any political cause. They are conducted concurrently through the language of hidden flirtation as well as rousing argument and are designed to win Sophie more than the debate.
In keeping with its C19th forebears, the novel develops slowly and provides its characters with ample space to discuss the history of ideas in the context of revolutionary Europe and German confederation. The milieu is ideal as they speak with articulation and breadth of knowledge that it would seem ludicrous outside of the rarefied formality of the 1800s novel. The abstract treatment of knowledge is essential though, as it acts as the readers' guide to the underlying meaning of the character based sub-plots.
The trepidations of the Wandernburgers, of course, echo through the centuries and Neuman constantly uses the modernity of his characters to remind us that so many of their concerns remain common currency today. He touches on personal and national identity, the relationship of wealth and worth and even the extent of state power. Consequently, this is a vibrant and stimulating novel. Being so heavily influenced by the novels of the 1800s, it shares some of the characteristics of many of those weighty tomes. At times it is ponderous and is unafraid to wallow in the author's research but it rarely gets boring as it is struck through with a very modern seam of sensuality, violence and individualism.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
About the author
Top reviews from United Kingdom
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 November 2013
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2013
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 May 2013
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2014
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 April 2014
Top reviews from other countries
-
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on 10 June 2015
Even effete intellectuals can fall in love
