Benedict Wells
Becks letzter Sommer

English Title: Beck's Last Summer

Seventeen-year-old Rauli from Lithuania is an outsider in his class until his music teacher Robert Beck discovers that the boy is fantastically talented: his voice and E-guitar playing are divine. Beck, himself a failed musician, wants to help the boy get on the fast lane to success. But it is not all pure altruism: as the man who discovered Rauli and as his manager, the thirtyseven-year-old Beck may yet find his way back into the world of glamour. But as is the case with Beck himself, Rauli too has his secrets. Other protagonists: young waitress Lara who is also in the process of conquering the world and who tries hard not to fall in love with Beck. A Lithuanian family with a mysterious past. Anna Lind, the incarnate erotic dream of every teacher and student. Colossal German-African Charlie, Beck’s only friend who is a philosopher at heart and has just failed in his attempt to become a bouncer. And an ageing rock star as a guardian angel. All the figures are on a long road to discover themselves and they will arrive – though not necessarily where one would expect. ›Beck’s Last Summer ‹is an artist’s novel, a road movie and an odyssey through the onslaughts of genius and mediocrity. Published in: Hungary (Geopen) Lithuania (Versus Aureus) Bulgaria (Foundation for Bulgarian Literature) Serbia (Plato)

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»This is an author who really understands his trade. Benedict Wells adopts a new, effortless tone in his debut.«Die Zeit

»In his first novel ›Becks letzter Sommer‹ young author Benedict Wells tells with verve and humour how a teacher falls victim to his own dreams. Amazing ... how Wells twists suspense and surprises into his story.«Der Spiegel

»This one’s telling with heart and passion. His name is worth remembering.«Gießener Anzeiger

»An amazing story about the appetite of failing and the burden of brilliancy, about overwhelming feelings and fussy everyday-problems. Funny and surprisingly wise.«Augsburger Allgemeine

»Entertaining and exciting.«Badische Neueste Nachrichten

»Complex and deep. A beautiful book, you will close with a smile.«Beautytalk

»Unbelievable, how such a young author understands to fill his words with wisdom.«Passauer Neue Presse

»An astonishingly confident debut.«Focus

»The student becomes a rockstar - and not the teacher. A furious debut. Superb!«Musikexpress

»One of the best novels this fall.«U_mag

»Benedict Wells’ account of the story surrounding this figure is witty, melancholy and profound and makes use of original dramatic effects to demonstrate the lack of originality and sensibility of his protagonist.«Süddeutsche Zeitung

»›Beck’s Last Summer‹ is a novel which one starts reading almost in passing and into which one falls. The wonderful lightness of the story and the wit as well as the sad humour of the situations are touching. ›Beck’s Last Summer‹ leaves the reader sad – especially because one reaches the end too quickly, much too soon.«Slam

»An astounding debut. Wells tries a lot in his first book and the reader follows him with pleasure.«Neue Zürcher Zeitung

»The most interesting debut of the year.«Die Zeit

»450 bracing pages of story-telling from a 23 years old author - when did that happen for the last time? Benedict Wells wrote a highly entertaining piece of literature that reads like a mixture between Sven Regener and Leon de Winter.«Spiegel Online

»Brilliant! I am more than excited how the story will end! I am amazed how the author got me caught within the story immediately. The reading is so much fun and I just like it a lot.«Thalia Buchhaus

»A wonderful, honest book full of amazing ideas, I would have wished to write myself - or just found one of the melodies this book is packed with.«Jess Jochimsen, musikexpress

Benedict Wells Becks letzter Sommer

English Title: Beck's Last Summer

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Benedict Wells
Becks letzter Sommer