50 pages • 1 hour read
Go, Went, Gone
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Berlin, Germany • Contemporary
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck follows Richard, a retired German philology professor, as he befriends and tries to assist a group of African refugees in Berlin. Initially unsure how to fill his time, Richard's perspective changes after encountering the refugees protesting for work and housing rights. His efforts to help them navigate bureaucratic barriers reveal the severity of their plight and inspire him to offer support and friendship. The book addresses themes of displacement, immigration policy, and human connection. This book contains themes of violence, death, and trauma related to the refugees' experiences.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Informative
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
10,258 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jenny Erpenbeck's Go, Went, Gone is lauded for its poignant exploration of Europe's refugee crisis, blending profound empathy with a reflective narrative. Critics praise its emotional depth, nuanced character development, and stark societal commentary. However, some find its pace slow and narrative style distant. Overall, it's an impactful read on human displacement.
Who Should Read Go, Went, Gone?
Readers who would enjoy Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck are those interested in contemporary social issues, particularly immigration and displacement. Fans of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead or Exit West by Mohsin Hamid will appreciate its poignant exploration of human rights and identity within modern society.
10,258 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rashid
Rashid
A vocal and bold refugee likened to Zeus by Richard, who is committed to protest as a means of coping with the pressures he faces as an immigrant, including threats to their living situation.
Osarobo
Osarobo
An 18-year-old refugee from Ghana who bonds with Richard over music and piano lessons, illustrating the intimate connections formed amidst challenging circumstances.
Awad
Awad
A refugee whose childhood was marked by loss and conflict, having worked as an auto mechanic before escaping Libya, and who shares poignant insights about identity and the connections made with fellow refugees.
320
Novel • Fiction
Berlin, Germany • Contemporary
2015
Adult
18+ years
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