The Book in Ten Quotes: Nein: A Manifesto
Tell, Don't Show, Absurdist Edition
Every other week Oscar Van Gelderen summarizes a notable work of (non)fiction in ten quotes, with an emphasis on style and voice. No spoilers. This week Nein. A Manifesto by Eric Jarosinski (published by Grove Atlantic/Black Cat, 2015).
1.
#KeepItSimple
Only two problems with the world today.
1. The World
2. Today
Three, if you count tomorrow.
2.
#BitterSchön
It’s not the depression.
It’s the anxiety.
The thought of waking up some morning. Alone.
With nothing left to fear.
3.
#HowToReadABook
Read what’s written.
Ask how.
Read what’s not written.
Wonder why.
4.
#TheoryOfLanguage
A wonder.
That we can communicate at all.
And if I’ve understood correctly:
A curse.
5.
#ArrangeYourWords
By those that seduced you.
Those that betrayed you.
Those that cut you.
And those that comforted you. And remained unsaid.
6.
Atheism: A religion without a prayer.
7.
Borges: Argentina’s greatest German author.
8.
Happiness: A feeling of well-being appreciated once it has stopped.
9.
Performance art: Six Doppelgängers in Search of a Selfie.
10.
Religion: A set of beliefs why yours are wrong.
Oscar Van Gelderen
Oscar van Gelderen (1965) is publisher at Lebowski Publishers, in Amsterdam. He publishes a mix of international and Dutch fiction, has a knack for rediscoveries and loves cult books. He blogs here.
