The Rest Is Slander - Five Stories

Thomas Bernhard's previously untranslated stories are collected in this volume, all set in cold locations and reflecting his awareness of the commodification of humanity. "Ungenach," "The Weatherproof Cape," "Midland in Stilfs," "At the Ortler," and "At the Timberline" are among the tales.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

A collection of previously untranslated stories from a master of twentieth-century Austrian literature, Thomas Bernhard, explores the themes of commodification, isolation, and the search for meaning in a bleak world. In "Ungenach," the reluctant heir of an enormous estate gives away his legacy to an assortment of oddballs as he discovers the past of his older brother, who was murdered during a career in futile colonialist philanthropy. In "The Weatherproof Cape," a lawyer tries to maintain a sense of familial solidarity with a now-dead client with the help of an unremarkable piece of clothing. "Midland in Stilfs" casts a jaundiced eye on the laughable efforts of a cosmopolitan foreigner to attain local authenticity on a moribund Alpine farmstead. In "At the Ortler," two middle-aged brothers—one a scientist, the other an acrobat—meditate on their unusual career paths while they climb a mountain to reclaim a long-abandoned family property. In "At the Timberline," the unexpected arrival of a young couple in a mountain village leads to the discovery of a scandalous crime that casts a shadow on the personal life of the policeman investigating it.

These stories, written in Bernhard's distinctive style, offer a window into the lives of individuals struggling to navigate a world that is increasingly shaped by materialism and consumerism. They explore the complexities of human relationships, the search for identity, and the consequences of pursuing personal desires in a society that values superficiality and superficiality.

Through his characters, Bernhard examines the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when individuals are forced to compromise their values in order to conform to the demands of society. He challenges the notion that wealth and material possessions can provide true happiness and fulfillment, and instead suggests that genuine connections and meaningful experiences are the only sources of true satisfaction.

"The Cold Increases with the Clarity" is a powerful and thought-provoking collection that showcases Bernhard's talent as a storyteller and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in a bleak and uncompromising manner. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of his work and a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature and the complexities of modern life.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803090672