Maxim Leo's Novel Critiques Coaching Industry and Corporate Empathy
Maxim Leo's novel "Einatmen. Ausatmen." follows Marlene, a 39-year-old manager on the verge of becoming CEO of a large corporation, who is sent by the outgoing CEO to a self-discovery retreat in Brandenburg run by coach Alex Grow to develop social competence. The story involves a forest walk, an encounter with a dying wild boar, and a romantic subplot with a janitor who is a former astrophysicist. Leo, a journalist known for crime novels and the bestseller "Es ist nur eine Phase, Hase," fails to develop a coherent stance on the diagnostic frenzy of the age, questioning whether the therapeutic reshaping of a woman's personality is a success if it devalues her previous achievements. The novel, published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch in Cologne in 2026 (256 pages, CHF 34.90), is criticized for its lax language and lack of attitude toward its subject.
Key facts
- Maxim Leo's novel 'Einatmen. Ausatmen.' is reviewed.
- Protagonist Marlene, 39, is a top manager sent to a coaching retreat.
- The retreat is in Brandenburg, run by coach Alex Grow.
- Marlene encounters a dying wild boar during a forest walk.
- A janitor, formerly an astrophysicist, becomes a romantic interest.
- Leo is a journalist and author of crime novels and 'Es ist nur eine Phase, Hase.'
- The novel is published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne, 2026.
- The book costs CHF 34.90 and has 256 pages.
Entities
Artists
- Maxim Leo
Institutions
- Kiepenheuer & Witsch
Locations
- Brandenburg
- Cologne
- Germany