Hans Joachim Schädlich

Kokoschkins Reise is a story about a voyage. In English there is a distinction between voyages and journeys, which are both encompassed by the German word Reise. Still, one should not think of "Reise" as travel, but think more of the word "journey".

In fact, Kokoschkin is on a ship for most of the narrative of Kokoschkins Reise, although the story meanders and relates various other travels, as well. In fact, Kokoschkin has made the same voyage in opposite directions several times. Kokoschkin's voyage and travels are told in great detail. At first it is all unclear, and the reader is tempted to look for significance. The story creates a sense of intrigue. However, by the end of the story it has become clear that Kokoschkin's life has been the journey all along: "Life is a journey".

Kokoschkin's life is an interesting story in itself. It tells the history of the European continent, particularly after the aristocracy fell from grace in Russia with the October Revolution.

Hans Joachim Schädlich style is verging on the non-fictional. His novels are like biographies of people, written mixing fact with fantasy.… (altro)

«Sire, ich eile ...»: Voltaire bei Friedrich II. is a novella but it is written in a very factual style, often given me the feeling that I was reading an essay or an historical account.

The novella has two intersecting story lines. The first describes the illicit love relationship between Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet. Émilie was the wife of Marquis Florent-Claude du Châstellet-Lomont, but could not get along with a man she considered dull, formal, and cold. The other story line describes the friendship between Voltaire and the German King Frederik the Great.

The novella explores and contrasts several ideals of the enlightenment. Voltaire is shown as a man who needs freedom, and does not want to be tied down by convention. Émilie du Châtelet was caught up in an arranged marriage to a man she did not like, and as an intelligent women was much attracted to Voltaire, and theirs is the story of their adulterous love.

In their friendship, Frederik the Great is first shown as an enlightened young man, pursuing and embracing new ideals, but as he assumed the role of King he is increasingly portrayed as a possessive and demanding despot, leaving the reader to wonder whether power corrupts or the youthful ideals were merely a fad.… (altro)