Extinction

Franz-Josef Murau is the intellectual black sheep of a powerful Austrian land-owning family. He lives in Rome in self-imposed exile, but when he receives a telegram informing him of the death of his parents and brother in a car crash, he must return as the master of Wolfsegg and decide its fate. This is the summit of Thomas Bernhard's artistic genius, described as "mesmerising, addictive, and explosively tragicomic" by Geoff Dyer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2019
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Franz-Josef Murau, an intellectual black sheep of a powerful Austrian land-owning family, resides in Rome in self-imposed exile, surrounded by a coterie of artistic and intellectual friends. Upon returning from his sister's wedding on the family estate of Wolfsegg, having resolved never to go home again, Murau receives a telegram informing him of the tragic death of his parents and brother in a car crash. Not only must he return, he must do so as the master of Wolfsegg, and he must decide its fate.

Extinction, the summit of Thomas Bernhard's artistic genius, is a landmark of post-war literature, newly illuminated by Geoff Dyer's afterword. This mesmerizing, addictive, and explosively tragicomic novel delves into the depths of human existence, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Bernhard's writing is characterized by his raw and uncompromising portrayal of characters, who are often flawed and complex. Murau, for instance, is a deeply introspective man who struggles with his own emotions and the expectations of his family. He is torn between his desire for freedom and his loyalty to his family legacy.

The novel's setting, Wolfsegg, is a symbolic representation of the decay and isolation of rural Austria. The estate, once a grand and prosperous place, is now in decline, surrounded by overgrown gardens and abandoned buildings. This setting adds to the sense of melancholy and nostalgia that pervades the novel.

Geoff Dyer's afterword provides a fresh perspective on the novel, offering insights into Bernhard's writing process and the historical context in which he wrote. He discusses the influence of German expressionism and the post-war German literary scene on Bernhard's work, as well as the themes of isolation and loneliness that are prevalent throughout his novels.

Extinction is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and is interested in exploring the depths of human emotion and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. It is a testament to Bernhard's artistic genius and his ability to create characters that are both relatable and unforgettable.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571349968
Edition number: Main