Sometimes I can get into the audiobook when the book book doesn’t click with me. I read the first few pages, and I think this would be one of those. It’s well written, there’s just a lot of details and some cultural context that I’m not too familiar with. That can happen with translated books. It’s part of the charm, I think, but it takes a little more effort to read. Plus it’s just a complex story.

Somehow the narration makes it easier for me to really get into it. As long as the narrator is good, and this guy is. His voice is a little stiff, but it kind of fits with the book. It’s growing on me.

Are there shallots or garlic in it? Looks really good. Bet it’d be good with a crusty layer of panko on top too.

The first time is always hard, but it’s a neat feeling, isn’t it? I don’t even really mind that I don’t understand everything. I’m just happy I can understand something.

Duerrnmatt has some things that could make it challenging for a first read, too. But there’s so much fun stuff to read in German.