The Director

“Supple, horrifying and mordantly droll” New York Times

“Nothing short of brilliant” Wall Street Journal

“A subtle, often darkly funny novel about the relationship between art and power” Sunday Times

“A dazzling performance and a real page turner” Salman Rushdie

The Story

The Director unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in history and is inspired by the life of the real film director G.W. Pabst. Filming in France when the Nazis seize power, Pabst flees to Hollywood, only to find that under the California sun the world-famous director looks like a nobody. Almost through no fault of his own, he finds himself back in his Austrian homeland with his wife and young son, where Goebbels, the minister of propaganda, wants the film genius for himself. As Pabst tells himself he can resist, Kehlmann masterfully interweaves themes of power, art, and survival.

Why Readers Love It

Daniel Kehlmann's prose is both elegant and incisive, providing a rich tapestry of character and setting. Critics have praised the novel as subtle and darkly funny, a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The book's exploration of the intricate relationship between art and authority resonates deeply, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and politics.

Perfect For

• Readers who appreciate historical fiction with a contemporary twist
• Fans of literary works that challenge societal norms

In The Director, Kehlmann delivers a thought-provoking narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring power of art amidst adversity.