Sci-fi in premise (but really to the extent of “Never Let Me Go”) Haushofer’s “The Wall” follows two years in the life of a woman who survive an event that kills everyone outside of her wall. The wall is invisible but real and didn’t seem to exist before the event.
She is trapped in the mountains where she had been staying with a friend. She is accompanied by a hunting dog, a cat, and a cow. With few supplies or food she must quickly learn to provide for herself and the animals.
What comes out is a meditation on life without the imposition of modern expectations, obligations, and rushing about. What’s left is not only survival, but finding comfort and providing care. The inclusion of animals is particularly important as it shows a tendency towards the collective once human ego and social power dynamics are stripped away. The sense of freedom becomes quite skewed as does the sense of urgency and obligation.
(This novel has become somewhat relatable in unfortunate ways as we enter a third day without power)
This is a dense and reflective novel written as a continuous recounting of the preceding two years. In some sense the writing lacks conventional structure with only some elements of foreshadowing to provide momentum. It’s understandable given the subject but makes it less engaging.
“The Wall” is a well written, unique novel which has not gotten its share of attention.
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