Rebecca Gisler

Swiss Literature Award 2022

BAK / Julien Chavaillaz

Rebecca Gisler
D’oncle

The book begins with two sentences that fill two pages, creating an entire world. Its subject is an uncle, a solitary man who lives in an ‘involuntary flatshare’ with his nephew and niece, the narrator. Writing in precise language reminiscent of Kafka’s entomology – although here the ‘monstrous vermin’ is a gargantuan pot-bellied uncle – Rebecca Gisler proves herself an uncanny master of tone in this debut novel, shifting deftly between her audacious narrative and ironic realism without ever becoming repulsive or grotesque. In doing so, she draws a deeply humane portrait of a singular family.

BAK / Julien Chavaillaz

D’oncle

Edition Verdier, Paris
ISBN 978-2-37856-113-0

Translation rights: Colette Olive, colette.olive@editions-verdier.fr

Photos: BAK / Julien Chavaillaz