Ingo Schulze's 'Peter Holtz' Review: A Return to Origins with a Foolish Hero

In the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, critic Paul Jandl reviews Ingo Schulze's newest novel, 'Peter Holtz'. The book marks a return to Schulze's core themes, centering on a 'foolish lucky devil' during the German reunification period. Schulze, known for explaining Germany's nuances to the world, creates a protagonist with a touch of naive charm. However, Jandl argues that this charm doesn't compensate for the novel's overall lack of depth. His critique, found in NZZ's feuilleton, highlights Schulze's difficulty in blending his literary beginnings with his current work, pointing out the contrast between the character's luck and the story's fragility. The review's title suggests a theme of reconnecting with one's origins.