The Emigrants
The Emigrants
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 20th Century
1992
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Emigrants by W.G. Sebald is a 1992 fictional work that traces the stories of four immigrant men as an unnamed narrator encounters them during his travels. Through these personal encounters and monochrome photos that reinforce a realist narrative context, each tale reveals different perspectives on emigration, history, loss, and global identity. Sensitive topics include suicide, mental health struggles, and the Holocaust.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
11,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
W.G. Sebald’s The Emigrants intricately blends fiction, memoir, and historical narrative, creating a haunting exploration of memory and exile. Critics praise Sebald’s prose for its elegiac beauty and the seamless integration of photographs. However, some find his melancholic tone and digressive style challenging. Overall, the novel’s poignant depth and innovative form are highly lauded.
Who Should Read The Emigrants?
A reader who appreciates intricate narratives intertwined with history and memory will enjoy W.G. Sebald's The Emigrants. Fans of Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time or Patrick Modiano's Dora Bruder will find Sebald's blend of fiction, biography, and memoir compelling. This book is ideal for those fascinated by themes of displacement and identity.
11,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 20th Century
1992
Adult
18+ years
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