This novel was published in Germany in 2015 and appeared in English translation in 2017. It tells the story of a German academic, recently retired, who comes into contact with a group of African refugees in Berlin and how this encounter changes his life. The bureaucratic ins and outs of the German system for asylum-seekers is one of the themes of the book, and the author skillfully presents the hopes and frustrations of the group of migrants whom the main character, Richard, comes to know. After a first meeting, a slowly developing trust between Richard and the group occurs. We learn about their harrowing journeys to reach Germany and their frustration about not being able to work until their status is decided. From being a distant observer of these men, Richard becomes committed to helping them, and in the end even transforms his home into a makeshift shelter.
The whole story is told in a dispassionate and sober style that makes its message even more poignant.
Our group was unanimous in finding the book excellent. We all felt we had learned a lot about the hardships that migrants have to endure even after experiencing extreme danger and suffering while trying to reach Europe. We all liked the style of the book, telling these terrible stories unsentimentally but powerfully. We agreed that “Go, Went, Gone” was definitely worth reading.
Christine
November 24, 2019
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