Elena Fischer's New Novel 'Wirf einen Schatten' Explores Suicide, Love, and Redemption
Elena Fischer, known for her debut novel 'Paradise Garden', has released a new novel titled 'Wirf einen Schatten' (Throw a Shadow), published by Diogenes in 2026, spanning 304 pages. The story begins on Christmas Eve 1963, when farmer Joseph, having lost contact with his wife Lis six months prior, is on the verge of suicide, with a gun in his mouth. Lis had left him and their son Samuel, saying 'This is not my life. I'm sorry.' At that moment, a package arrives from Ada, Lis's sister, with whom Joseph has been secretly in love, and she with him. Later, a young, desperate, unknown woman also arrives, bringing new purpose into Joseph's life. Fischer's novel is described as sensitive, gripping, and meticulously crafted, delving deeply into its characters and skillfully playing with different time levels. However, the lightness and humor that characterized her first novel are notably absent in this work. The review, published in 'NZZ am Sonntag', gives the book four out of five stars.
Key facts
- Elena Fischer's new novel 'Wirf einen Schatten' is published by Diogenes in 2026, 304 pages.
- The novel begins on Christmas Eve 1963 with farmer Joseph contemplating suicide.
- Joseph's wife Lis left him and their son Samuel six months earlier, saying 'This is not my life. I'm sorry.'
- A package from Ada, Lis's sister, interrupts Joseph's suicide attempt.
- Joseph and Ada have been secretly in love with each other.
- A young, desperate, unknown woman later arrives and gives Joseph a new purpose.
- Fischer's debut novel was 'Paradise Garden', a coming-of-age story.
- The novel is praised for its sensitivity and precise storytelling but lacks the lightness and humor of her debut.
- The review appears in 'NZZ am Sonntag' and gives the book four out of five stars.
Entities
Artists
- Elena Fischer
Institutions
- Diogenes
- NZZ am Sonntag