The Rest Is Slander – Five Stories

This collection features five previously untranslated stories by Thomas Bernhard, exploring themes of legacy, authenticity, and human connection against the backdrop of extreme cold and bleak circumstances.

The Rest Is Slander – Five Stories is a collection of previously untranslated works by renowned Austrian author Thomas Bernhard, known for his incisive commentary on the human condition. This volume features five stories that explore themes of isolation, legacy, and the absurdities of life, all set against the stark backdrop of cold environments. Bernhard's unique voice shines through as he delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

In the story Ungenach, the protagonist grapples with the burden of his inheritance, choosing to give away his estate to a group of eccentric individuals while uncovering the dark past of his deceased brother, a victim of misguided philanthropy. This tale sets the tone for the collection, highlighting Bernhard's ability to intertwine personal history with broader cultural critiques. Similarly, The Weatherproof Cape showcases a lawyer's struggle to maintain connections with a deceased client through an ordinary article of clothing, revealing the often tenuous bonds that define human interactions.

The remaining stories, such as Midland in Stilfs,At the Ortler, and At the Timberline, continue to reflect on the absurdities of life, with characters facing their own existential dilemmas. Bernhard's sharp observations and distinctive narrative style invite readers to contemplate the impact of societal changes on individual lives. Overall, The Rest Is Slander presents a compelling exploration of the human experience through the lens of one of the twentieth century's literary masters.