The Alp - (Swiss Literature) by Arno Camenisch (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The first novel in Arno Camenisch's celebrated "alpine" trilogy is set during a single summer.

The four main (unnamed) characters are a dairyman, his farmhand, a cowherd, and a swineherd who all live and work in close proximity--but this is no "Heidi." Theirs is an existence marked by dangerous work, solitude, cruelty, alcoholism, and sheer stubbornness; but the author's handling of these situations and lives is characterized at all times by affection, surreal humor, and a brilliant ear for the sounds of the setting.

Review Quotes

With "The Alp," a loose sequence of scenes from everyday life on Alp Stavonas at the foot of Piz Sezner, Arno Camenisch has written perhaps the most unusual book of the season. It is certainly one of the freshest.--Angelika Overath "NZZ "

With "The Alp", a loose sequence of scenes from everyday life on Alp Stavonas at the foot of Piz Sezner, Arno Camenisch has written perhaps the most unusual book of the season. It is certainly one of the freshest.--Angelika Overath "NZZ "

About the Author

Arno Camenisch writes in both Rhaeto-Romanic and German. He is best known for his award-winning trilogy of novels, beginning with "The Alp," already excerpted in "Harper's," and continuing with "Behind the Station" and "Last Last Orders," all of which will appear from Dalkey Archive Press over the next two years.