About this episode

Joan Baum reviews 'Herscht 07769' by Laszlo Krasznahorkai, exploring its complex themes and unconventional style.

WSHU’s Book Critic Joan Baum was curious about the Nobel Prize-winning author for literature, a Hungarian writer whose work has been described as challenging. Joan read a translation of a recent novel, a 400-plus tome filled with particle physics, Angela Merkel, fearful townspeople, Nazis, and Johan Sebastian Bach. Joan discovered a nuanced story with an unconventional style. Demanding yes! But well worth reading.

People in this episode

Host: Joan Baum

Topics covered

• book review
• literature
• Hungarian authors
• Nobel Prize
• novel analysis
• particle physics

Keywords

• Herscht 07769
• Laszlo Krasznahorkai
• book review
• Nobel Prize
• literature
• Angela Merkel
• Johan Sebastian Bach
• particle physics

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Herscht 07769

Places: Hungary

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• Book Review: 'Accidental Philanthropist' · February 26, 2026 · 5 min
• Book Review: 'Be Ready When The Luck Happens' · February 12, 2026 · 5 min

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