Roman Graf

Niedergang

«Wo ein Wille ist, ist auch ein Weg.»

A young Berlin couple set off on a tour through the Swiss mountains. André and Louise intend to climb high and seem well prepared for their adventure. Yet, the closer they get to the top, the further apart they drift. Roman Graf’s novel plays out the old theme of man’s existential encounter with mountains. Vigour and strength of will, but also the inner turmoil of his hero are reflected in his powerful but poetic writing.
André has planned this trip for months, right down to the last detail. This walking tour is a reminder of the happiest days of his childhood – for him, it’s something he must do. Moreover, he wants to show his girlfriend Louise how beautiful the mountains are. But everything threatens to fall apart. The village is shrouded in mist; persistent drizzle delays their departure. Louise seems listless, André feels thwarted. Eventually they set off, struggling with unfulfilled hopes and growing ill temper. With difficulty, they reach the end of their first stage. The next day, the good weather returns and their enthusiasm for the adventure with it. But the ascent is strenuous, and Louise’s hostility increases with every rock she climbs. Before the final ascent, she abandons her boyfriend. Hurt but proud, André climbs on alone. In his rocky solitude, he reaches his mental and physical limits: he draws energy from his strength of will, from his childhood memories and from dream visions, which suddenly come upon him. His obsession remains to reach the mountain-top and leave everything else behind him. It will prove his undoing.
(Martin Zingg, translated by Max Easterman, Rosie Goldsmith)

Recommended for translation by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, www.12swissbooks.ch

Translation of title: Downfall

Knaus Verlag, München 2013

ISBN: 978-3-8135-0566-5