New novel 'Bruchlinien' presented in Vienna, where tensions become palpable

Vienna-based author Gernot Rainer unveiled his debut novel, "Bruchlinien" (Fault Lines), at the Thalia bookstore in Wien Mitte. The book delves into the personal experiences of several protagonists navigating one of the most significant crises of recent times: the pandemic.

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I didn't want to tell this abstractly, but where such tensions are actually palpable: in a school, in families, in the everyday lives of people, all of whom develop their own view of the same situation.

Rainer stated he did not aim to write a chronicle of the pandemic but rather a novel about how individuals react differently to the same reality, leading to conflicts that are difficult to resolve. "I didn't want to tell this abstractly, but where such tensions are actually palpable: in a school, in families, in the everyday lives of people, all of whom develop their own view of the same situation," Rainer explained during the presentation, moderated by "Presse" editor Köksal Baltaci.

Baltaci, in his review for "Presse," described the book as "a force of nature." He highlighted that "Bruchlinien" focuses on interpersonal relationships, driven by fundamental emotions like love, trust, responsibility, disappointment, and hurt. "Dislocations occur just as do reconciliations and tragic events that reveal fault lines that seem familiar from past years," Baltaci wrote. He commended Rainer for avoiding clichés, one-dimensional characters, or contrived conflicts, noting the author's dedication and attention to detail.

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A book like a force of nature.

The novel, set in Vienna, tells a universal story. Baltaci likened "Bruchlinien" to a ski jump, offering the potential for an exciting, unforgettable leap that the reader must undertake themselves. The book, published by Kremayr & Scheriau, has 264 pages and costs 25 Euros.

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Dislocations occur just as do reconciliations and tragic events that reveal fault lines that seem familiar from past years.