Alex Schulman's "Jetzt beginnt das Leben" Explores Family Secrets and Childhood Summers

Swedish novelist Alex Schulman is back with "Jetzt beginnt das Leben," a book that delves into the darker aspects of his family's history. The story reflects on childhood summers, intertwining autobiographical elements with fiction. Schulman has previously focused on family themes, turning personal legacies into literary explorations. A key inquiry posed is whether readers are inclined to revisit those summer memories. The Süddeutsche Zeitung review analyzes how the novel addresses memory and family dynamics, emphasizing Schulman's exploration of troubling aspects of his lineage. While the title implies a fresh start, the narrative creates a conflict between progressing and reflecting, portraying memory as a dynamic link. The review also ponders the allure of this exploration into Schulman's life.