Zbinden's Progress - Softcover

Simon, Christoph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190827610X ISBN 13: 9781908276100

Publisher: And Other Stories, 2014

Synopsis

"Zbinden invites comparison with Leo Tolstoy's Ivan Ilych."—Alexander Starritt, The Times Literary Supplement

Lukas Zbinden leans on the arm of his carer in an old people's home. Step by step, the devoted walker recounts his life with his late wife and his son. She loved nature walks; he loved city streets. What was the secret of their lifelong love? And why is it so hard for him to talk to his son? A life-affirming novel about love.

Christoph Simon was born in 1972 in Switzerland. After travels through the Middle East, Poland, South America, London, and New York, he settled in Bern, Switzerland.

About this title

About the Author

Christoph Simon: Christoph Simon (b 1972 Emmental, Switzerland) After travels through the Middle East, Poland, South America, London and New York, he has settled in Berne. He is married with two children.
Barbara Trapido: Barbara Trapido, born 1941 as Barbara Schuddeboom, is a British novelist. Born in Cape Town and growing up in Durban she studied at the University of Natal gaining a BA in 1963 before emigrating to London.
Donal McLaughlin: Born in Derry in 1961, but resident in Scotland since 1970, Donal McLaughlin is a freelance writer and translator (from German, mainly).

Reviews

The fourth book from Swiss novelist Simon (Planet Obrist) has a very simple setup: an elderly man, the titular Zbinden (his first name is Lukas) takes a long walk outside the old folks' home where he lives, on the arm of a young man he has just met named Kazim, and tells his life's story. The highlights are relatable and believable, but not exceptional. He loved his wife, Emilie, deeply until the end of her life, and has a difficult relationship with his son, Markus. The first-person narrative is pitch-perfect, capturing a slight formality indicative of Zbinden's age and personality, as well as his natural yarn-spinner's charm and desire to please. Believe me, if you've been married for fifty years, it's sometimes confusing to walk with someone else. Should you accompany me, Kazim, I'll take care not to call you €˜Dearest' suddenly or, with customary affection, to put my hand round your hips. Zbinden and Kazim's relationship is new but also profound, underscoring one of Simon's major themes: living in the moment. Zbinden praises several times the benefits–physical, spiritual, emotional–of a good walk. He's a fine companion to travel with. (Jan.)

Edition details

• Publisher: And Other Stories
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 190827610X
• ISBN 13: 9781908276100
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172