BARBARA ISN'T DYING by Alina Bronsky

Translated by Tim Mohr

Alina Bronsky is something of a literary enigma, being the pseudonym of a Russian expat in Berlin whose face is well know but whose name remains a mystery. Ok, so Ferrante she is not, but if I hadn’t seen her photo it would be easy to convince me she was Fredrik Backman trying out his darker, sharper edge. In this sweet but emotionally complex book, cantankerous alte kacke Walter Schmidt is forced to reassess and jumpstart his life when, one morning, his wife refuses to get out of bed. It’s a rude shock. Schmidt has been a shit husband. And a shit father. And generally a pretty shit guy.

Bronsky finds humour and pathos in Schmidt’s struggles. He becomes an internet celebrity by commenting on a famous chef’s YouTube channel, thinking he’s talking to the guy in person. Anyone with ageing parents will smirk knowingly. He also must fend off the affections of a few local ladies. And make amends for his lifetime of shortcomings. Oh, and he becomes a kick-ass baker. It’s all a bit cheesy but Bronsky managed to have me rooting for the old bastard and genuinely cheering his quest for redemption.

A gentle and generous surprise.

Barbara Isn’t Dying by Alina Bronsky (Tr. Tim Mohr)
Europa Editions, 2023
182 pages