'A Whole Life' is a brief yet profound novella that spans the entire life of one man, Andreas Egger. He is a man of few words, so it seems fitting that his life story, covering three-quarters of the 20th century, is told in succinct, but beautiful and powerful prose.
Andreas Egger’s life is not an easy one - orphaned at an early age, he is brought to the Alps as a young child and raised by a cruel uncle. Starting with humble work as a laborer, we follow him as he undertakes dangerous work for a cable car company, driven by his deep desire to prove himself worthy as a future husband to his one and only love, Marie. A tragic event abruptly ends his marriage, and our main character is later sent to a senseless war that consumes eight years of his life. When Egger returns from the prison camp, he finds work as a mountain guide, as tourism, not farming, now sustains the local economy. As an old man, he grapples with the rapid technological changes of the 20th century in his mountain village, yet he remains accepting and maintains a deep respect for nature, recognizing the necessity of progress. Despite all these challenges, the story never feels bleak.
What makes Seethaler’s character extraordinary is his quiet stoicism. As long as "there is work and something to eat", he is content, not succumbing to despair. He is guided by nature, by the inner force of the mountains, the seasons and the rhythms of the extreme environment that surrounds him. He creates his place in the world at peace with its natural essence, only stepping in when necessary, which is mirrored perfectly in Seethaler’s simple and collected narrative style that matches the serene sobriety of Egger’s life. Although the novella is written from our main character’s perspective, the author makes it very clear that his philosophy of life rejects any notion of human superiority. The world does not revolve around his protagonist, and Egger is fully aware that his life is futile and insignificant within the scope of the universe.
I really enjoyed the grace of this novella. The story reminded me of another world, another time, when people were perhaps not so demanding of life. Andreas Egger, a simple man, makes the best of what he has. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but a nature lover will likely enjoy it. It strikes me as a book one may read in quiet contemplation, in a mountain retreat. It is an unpretentious story with plenty of soul but never sentimental. If you're curious to see if it's possible to capture an entire lifetime in just 150 pages, I highly recommend giving ‘A Whole Life’ a try. Its quiet depth and understated beauty offer a unique experience, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and reflection.
Review by Andreea Cioca
This review was written for the ACF London's EXPLORE OUR LIBRARY initiative.
