BOOK #7 “EUROTRASH” BY CHRISTIAN KRACHT, TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY DANIEL BOWLES, LONGLISTED FOR #INTERNATIONALBOOKERPRIZE2025

Some books leave you speechless, and this is one of them. As the description promises, it is truly a masterpiece-in-miniature—a small book packed with depth, humor, and heartache.

The story follows the narrator and his ailing mother as they embark on a journey together. Their relationship is complicated, shaped by a past that is as unsettling as the present. The mother, struggling with dementia and alcoholism, carries the weight of old wounds, while the son navigates their shared history with a mix of tenderness and frustration.

The title is symbolic both literally and metaphorically, representing the wealthy Europeans who are excessively indulgent and superficial, hinting at moral and cultural decay.

What makes this book stand out is its unique storytelling—serious yet funny, fragmented yet deeply moving. The absurd twists and poignant moments keep the reader engaged. I loved the stories told by the narrator, which both the mom and I enjoyed—they added warmth and humor to an otherwise unsettling tale.

Though the beginning is somewhat elusive, requiring a reread to fully grasp, the effort is well worth it. The narrative oscillates between past and present, creating an experience that is both disorienting and profoundly beautiful.

It’s a tough read, but one that lingers long after the last page. A truly different and unforgettable book with an amazing translation.