Die Luftgängerin

Die Luftgängerin follows Amalie Augustus, a sleepwalker in 19th century Austria who becomes known for performing complex physical feats while unconscious. Her condition draws the attention of doctors and researchers, leading her to Vienna's medical establishment. The narrative traces Amalie's journey from a rural village to the halls of scientific study, where she becomes both a patient and a subject of fascination. Her experiences intersect with the era's emerging understanding of psychology, sleep disorders, and the human mind. Set against the backdrop of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the rise of modern medicine, the novel explores the boundaries between consciousness and unconsciousness, science and spectacle. The story raises questions about free will, the nature of identity, and society's treatment of those who defy conventional explanation.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Robert Schneider's overall work: Readers appreciate Schneider's poetic writing style and use of magical realism, particularly in "Brother of Sleep" (Schlafes Bruder). Many note his ability to create immersive historical settings in small Alpine villages. Readers who enjoyed his books mention the unique narrative voices and compelling character development. Several reviews highlight his descriptive passages about music in "Brother of Sleep." Common criticisms include slow pacing, especially in the opening chapters of his novels. Some readers find his writing style too ornate and the plots meandering. A portion of reviews mention difficulty connecting with the characters emotionally. Goodreads ratings: - Brother of Sleep: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) - The Air Eaters: 3.4/5 (300+ ratings) - Die Unberührten: 3.3/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon ratings: - Brother of Sleep: 4.1/5 (English edition, 50+ reviews) - Schlafes Bruder: 4.3/5 (German edition, 150+ reviews)

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🌟 The novel explores the life of Amalie "Malina" Knessbeck, a German tightrope walker who gained fame during the Biedermeier period of the 19th century. ✒️ Robert Schneider spent seven years researching historical documents and circus archives to accurately portray the world of 19th-century European circus performers. 🎪 "Die Luftgängerin" (The Air Walker) was published in 1998 and marked a significant departure from Schneider's previous work, "Schlafes Bruder," which had brought him international recognition. 🌍 The story spans multiple European cities, including Vienna, Berlin, and Paris, offering readers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of 19th-century Europe's entertainment scene. 💫 The protagonist's character was inspired by several real-life female circus performers of the era, though Malina herself is a fictional creation combining various historical elements.