Crime mystery set mainly in OXFORD in WW2
The story of digital nomads in BERLIN
9th April 2025
Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, the story of digital nomads in BERLIN
Translated by Sophie Hughes
Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025
If you want to get under the skin of Berlin – or you are thinking of relocating to the city – then this is the novel to pick up. The story is told by a narrator who scrutinises the lives of two young people, who are making their way in this most cool of cool cities. There is no dialogue, which actually makes for a really effortless and linear read and keeps the reader’s mind focussed on the story, which doesn’t so much evolve as present two lives lived. The story is told by a gifted writer who uses irony, humour and observation to pen a credible and creatively informed story.
It is the story of Anna and Tom who have settled in the city, hailing from an unspecified southern European country. And it is the everyday story of young people, who are lured to the metropolis, with its history, culture and diversity. They want to be part of the mythology of cool Berlin.
The two have found a rent controlled apartment (the gold standard when looking for places to live) and they 
create the quintessential interior. Like so many of their generation, they carefully curate their plant selections, set against the traditional and historical architectural features and the polished natural wooden floors. They set up their work stations and focus on the day ahead, talk with friends, go for evening strolls, huddle against the freezing winds that descend on the city in Winter and picnic on the wide, grassy plain that is the Tempelhofer Feld, An element of drugs features, they go to clubs, they hang out with acquaintances, all of whom are from anywhere but Berlin. Anna and Tom manage their time efficiently and enjoyably. The story takes the reader to the Turkish Market on the Maybach Ufer, passes by Renate’s in Alt-Stralau (which is closing at the end of 2025), mentions Berghain (of course) and trundles around the city, beautifully bringing it to life on the page, which makes it a perfect choice for TripFiction aficionados.
Then they take on one project and their bubble bursts (just a little) and friends start to relocate back ‘home’ (wherever that might be) – a combined turn of events for them to wonder about relocation themselves.
This is a story of the city in the earlier 21st Century, seen through the eyes of two young people in their twenties, melding with the city vibe as they move into their thirties. They hardly ever need to speak German, given the nationalities of their friendship group, they attend art openings, they observe the fluid nature of businesses (shops) as they frequently change hands and reinvent themselves. Anna and Tom are part of the evolving cityscape.
If you have ever wondered about the lives lived as you pass through the streets, admiring the old stucco buildings, peering in through the windows of lit up rooms, then this offers insight into one clearly defined group of citizens.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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