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A review by david_rhee
Irretrievable by Theodor Fontane
3.0
Irretrievable by Theodor Fontane tells the story of the fading bond between husband and wife, Helmut and Christine Holk. The narrative starts at a point where the damage is already beyond repair which makes the reader wonder if the Holks' family life was ever any good. At times, the personalities of the Holks wearied me and suspected translation difficulties sapped my willingness to appreciate this novel properly, but as I stuck with it, albeit with much struggle, I grew to like Fontane's smooth handling of a marriage's melancholy decline. His transition, very delicately maneuvered and subtle, from psychological strain and tension to a resignation to the inevitable is artful.
Most readers don't usually like being overtaken by the bleak pall which soaks this novel especially in its later half, but it oddly stimulates because it is all so realistic. As depressing as it is, Irretrievable likely will not be what readers are looking for but there is plenty in it which is worthy of praise and examination.
Most readers don't usually like being overtaken by the bleak pall which soaks this novel especially in its later half, but it oddly stimulates because it is all so realistic. As depressing as it is, Irretrievable likely will not be what readers are looking for but there is plenty in it which is worthy of praise and examination.