Die Mitte der Welt
(The Centre of the World) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
Whatever a normal life may be, 17-year-old Phil has never experienced it. Because, as unusual as the old house he lives in is, so too are the people who come and go there – his chaotic mother Glass, his withdrawn twin sister Dianne, and all the others. And then there’s Nicholas, the unattainable one, with whom Phil has fallen madly in love…Phil longs for guidance and perspective. But above all, he longs to learn more about himself.
Edited by: ALEKI - Arbeitsstelle für Kinder- und Jugendmedienforschung
Comment:
Phil and his twin sister Dianne have complete freedom with their unconventional mother, but that in no way means their problems with growing up are solved. Both have to deal with guilt and pain, especially Phil with his unrequited love for Nicholas, his school friend. In a coming-of-age story overflowing with colourful and dramatic events, life presents itself as a constant challenge, a rollercoaster ride of fulfillment and disappointment, and no two destinies are alike, not even those of the twins Phil and Dianne. Their experiences are full of bizarre, comical, and profound moments and are vividly recounted. Realistic scenes, in which violence also plays a role, alternate with fairy-tale-like, magical moments – making for an entertaining and exciting mixture.