TO THE BACK OF BEYOND

by Peter Stamm
 
To The Back of Beyond was recommended to me by a friend and I whole-heartedly recommend this beautiful book to all of you.  As I reflect on what makes it so compelling, I feel it’s not only that it's a poignant story about a young husband who suddenly and unexpectedly walks away from his happy marriage and two small children, but also the manner in which Stamm writes. Stamm’s prose has a sparse, peaceful, almost Zen-like quality to it, so that rather than feeling angry and resentful towards this self-centered husband, I found myself oddly empathetic.
 
In To The Back of Beyond, Stamm successfully alternates between the husband Thomas’ story and the wife Astrid’s story.  Each struggles in the aftermath of the abandonment, but each also comes to terms with what freedom means. They also reflect on how one maintains individuality within the relationships of marriage and family.  Finally, the novel sets out an amazing example of what forgiveness looks like.
 

I found this book refreshingly original.  It left me feeling peaceful and reflecting on the fragility of relationships, the nature of commitment and the fact that love and forgiveness don’t always look the way we think they will. (Liz)