Book Review: The Spring of Kasper Meier by Ben Fergusson

I was recently sent an advance proof copy of Little, Brown's latest book - The Spring of Kasper Meier, which is the debut novel by Ben Fergusson.  It's not the kind of book I'd usually go for - I like fantasy, American literature, post colonial stuff and the occasional chick lit. But it was a free book so I wasn't going to turn it down! 

The Spring of Kasper Meier follows the life of Kasper, living in a bombed-out post-war Berlin and dealing in trades and secrets to compensate for his meagre rations and keep himself and his father alive. He lives in constant fear of being found out, and in a time where homosexuality was a crime, Kasper - as a gay man - is under even more of a risk. After meeting Eva, a young girl employed as a 'rubble girl' (sorting through the rubble of the ruined city trying to find anything worth salvaging), his world is turned upside down as he becomes unwittingly involved in the murder of a young soldier.  He forms a close bond with Eva and is determined to get both himself and her out of their web of trades, secrets and lies, and to a better life overseas in New York. 

I really loved this book and was quite surprised since it's rather out of my reading comfort zone.  I particularly liked the fact that Kasper's experiences as a gay man were brought to the centre of the narrative, and representations of his experiences and his feelings toward Neustadt and Phillip were expressed sincerely; there were some really moving parts to the story. I also loved that the main relationship in the story was a platonic one; at the start before the reader becomes aware of Kasper's sexuality, it seems like he and Eva will become entangled romantically, but as the novel progresses it becomes clear that theirs is a relationship based on mutual affection and trust.  

The Spring of Kasper Meier is due to be released in July 2014. I'd highly recommend!

Steph xx

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