I read this one a while ago, and don't recall any details. ( )

A genuinely original book of tremendous power and grace. The writing is gorgeous, the style entirely original, with a strange and haunting story that begins in straightforward fashion – the memories of a 100 year old man from Sophia looking back on his life.

His story stops and we’re suddenly introduced to a group of new characters living apparently unconnected lives in new locations. Slowly the story corkscrews back on itself and connections and shared histories begin to appear. My only disappointment was that the obscenely hideous Khatuna didn't get what was coming to her.

One of the most unusual books I’ve ever read, surprisingly easy to digest. Gripping, unique and highly recommended. ( )

After reading 'Solo' and then taking a step back and reflecting on the book, I was able to appreciate Rana Dasgupta's writing. Dasgupta brings us a story about a man, Ulrich, his life, one of ordinary nature. There is no flash, no great success for Ulrich. He is a man who lived, who lost, who wanted to be someone, to be someone who did something great. But, as he reflects on his life we see that to him, his life fell short, there were points where a different choice could have pushed him to the life he wanted.

In the second half of the book, Ulrich conjures up daydreams. Daydreams in which his life winds and twists into a modern day story. Characters from his past take new shape and take on a new life. However, the pain, the sorrow, the triumphs, the hopes, the unfulfilled dreams, the friendships and love that took place in the first half resonate throughout.

Overall a great book, but one, that I had to reflect a bit once finished to see all that it was ( )

schon als ich dieses buch bekam, dachte ich: "oh gott, nicht schon wieder eine geschichte über einen 100-jährigen"! meine befürchtungen wurden übertroffen, denn von allen diesen derzeit grassierenden jahrhunderterzählungen ist diese die schlechteste. man merkt richtig, wie mühsam und gewissenhaft der autor die historischen geschehnisse recherchiert hat (dafür meinen respekt), aber ansonsten hält der roman nicht, was der klappentext verspricht. ( )

In a dilapidated building in Sofia, a blind old man is reflecting on his past life. This superbly narrated story of his dreams, loves, downfall and piecing together echoes the fate of his country through its struggle for independence, two world wars, communism and hangover capitalism. A string of satellite stories very cleverly completes the picture. This book is absolutely brillant and a delight to read. ( )