Wittgenstein Jr.

Exploring philosophy through the lens of youthful exuberance

Lars Iyer author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Melville House UK

Published:15th Oct '15

Should be back in stock very soon

Wittgenstein Jr. cover

In Wittgenstein Jr., a group of Philosophy students navigates love, existential challenges, and their complex relationship with a melancholic lecturer, exploring the essence of thought and connection.

In Wittgenstein Jr., Lar Iyer masterfully combines his signature wit with profound insight, crafting a narrative that is both inventive and emotionally resonant. The story revolves around a group of Philosophy undergraduates, who affectionately refer to their enigmatic lecturer as Wittgenstein Jr. This brooding academic, marked by his complexity and melancholy, is on a mission to impart the essence of philosophical thought to his students. However, the students seem more captivated by the allure of homemade cocktails and the trials of young love than the lessons he seeks to teach.

As the narrative unfolds, the students navigate the tumultuous waters of university life, grappling with their identities and the uncertain futures that await them beyond the hallowed halls of Cambridge. Their carefree pursuits stand in stark contrast to the deepening despair of Wittgenstein Jr., who becomes increasingly withdrawn as he struggles with his own existential dilemmas. This juxtaposition highlights the intricate dance between teacher and students, revealing how their lives are intertwined in unexpected ways.

Ultimately, Wittgenstein Jr. is a poignant exploration of the impact of mentorship, friendship, and the quest for meaning in a world filled with distractions. As the students begin to recognize the depth of their lecturer's needs, they embark on a journey of mutual discovery that challenges their perspectives on life, philosophy, and the connections that bind them together.

'Fascinating... A doomy, hilarious, thoughtful Cambridge comedy with a tone somewhere between Philosophical Investigations and Porterhouse Blue, as a bunch of dreadful modern undergrads struggle to make sense of a tragic, saintlike tutor who is not Wittgenstein, or not exactly.' Sunday Telegraph

  • Long-listed for Folio Prize 2015
  • Long-listed for Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize 2015

ISBN: 9780992876555

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 225g

232 pages

UK ed.