Thomas Bernhard was one of the most original writers of the twentieth century. His formal innovation ranks with Beckett and Kafka, his outrageously cantankerous voice recalls Dostoevsky, but his gift for lacerating, lyrical, provocative prose is incomparably his own.

One of Bernhard's most acclaimed novels, The Loser centers on a fictional relationship between piano virtuoso Glenn Gould and two of his fellow students who feel compelled to renounce their musical ambitions in the face of Gould's incomparable genius. One commits suicide, while the other—the obsessive, witty, and self-mocking narrator—has retreated into obscurity. Written as a monologue in one remarkable unbroken paragraph, The Loser is a brilliant meditation on success, failure, genius, and fame.

LOCATION: Maison Internationale des Associations, salle Albert Jacquard
Presenter: Güniz
Starting time: 19:15 sharp

Format:

Members introduction (5-10 minutes)
Book presentation (20-30 minutes)
– A brief history of author’s life
– A short summary of the book
– Main ideas/themes
Group discussion (45-60 minutes), members' personal views on the book, opposing ideas, etc.
Announcement/info on next meeting (5 minutes)
Note: reading the book is not a "must" to attend the meeting, but encouraged if you want to actively participate in the discussion.

We look forward to seeing you all!
Upcoming events: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/future
Past events: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/_past
Slides current year: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/slides-2023