The Wall

H.G Adler

Survivors of the horror of war and ethnic cleansing tend to prefer not to discuss their experiences with others. Future generations need to be grateful to those few who are willing to share. We need to be especially appreciative to those who are able to do so with a literary flair. H.G. Adler has such a gift. “The Wall” is the culmination of his Shoah trilogy masterpiece.

Much has been written about the brutality of the Second World War, including the savagery of the Holocaust. Adler chooses to shine his light on the terror that the survivors face. In the end, “The Wall” finds a way to analyze human resiliency. He challenges us to wonder why life is worth living after a human has endured hopelessness, despair, trauma and regret, when all memory simply results in more pain.

Arthur has lived through a nightmare only to find out that he has awoken into yet another. He is suffering from Survivor’s Syndrome and a whole lot more. He wants to share his memories, but is unable to find the way to do so.

Adler does not make it easy for the reader. In addition to the obvious length of the novel, the narrative is often dense and demanding. There are no chapter breaks, and many long sentences and paragraphs. There are dream sequences as well as abrupt movements in place and time. There are very few sympathetic characters, no light-hearted vignettes.

So, “Why bother?” you may ask. Adler succeeds in crafting a highly believable, philosophical tale. Arthur’s choices are at once baffling and understandable. The weaknesses of supposed friends and supporters are fully recognizable. The few women in his life are remarkable. It is a powerful book that really makes you reflect. My kind of novel.

The translation by Peter Filkins is superb.

Thanks to Random House and Edelweiss for the DRC.