An atmospheric evocation of modern Berlin, a vivid portrait of youth under pressure, and a moving story about learning to love, this new novel from the author of
Broken Glass Park is an irreverent look at the sometimes difficult work of self-acceptance.
Badly disfigured as a result of an encounter with a dog, seventeen-year-old Marek begins attending a support group for young people with physical disabilities, which he dubs “the cripple group,” led by an eccentric older man only known as The Guru. Marek is dismissive of the other members of the support group, seeing little connection between their misfortunes and his own. The one exception to this is Janne, the beautiful wheelchair-bound woman with whom he has fallen in love. When a family crisis forces Marek to face his demons, with or without the group, he finds himself in dire need of support. But the distance he has put between himself and The Guru’s misshapen acolytes may well be too great to bridge.
Just Call Me Superhero cements Alina Bronsky’s reputation as one of her generation’s most compelling and stylish young authors.
Disfigured in a dog attack, 17-year-old Marek has a lot to come to terms with. Tricked into going to a support group he is rude and dismissive to the other members, but with one exception. This novel is at once an evocation of modern Berlin, a vivid portrait of youth under pressure and a moving story about self-acceptance. Translated by Tim Mohr.
Praise for
Just Call Me Superhero
"Bronsky's warmth, humor and sharp observational eye combine to make this coming-of-age tale a rich, affecting read."
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Kirkus Reviews
"Russian-born writer Alina Bronsky (
Broken Glass Park) has a gift for transforming an awkward moment into a jewel of revelation that makes her story rich in genuine character comedy.
"
—Shelf Awareness"A painful, tender, very funny
bildungsroman void of sentimentality, Bronsky’s book captures contemporary European adolescence in one delicious swoop. Adults and teens should enjoy it equally."
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BookPagePraise for
Alina Bronsky
“Bronsky’s great gift is humor.”
—The Los Angeles Times
“Mordantly funny.”
—The San Francisco Chronicle"A masterful study in delusion."
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The Financial Times
“A very funny and a very dark black comedy.”
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Library Journal (starred review)
“[Rosa from
The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine is] one of the most fascinating women in the world.”
—The Millions"What begins as a cruel comic romp ends as a surprisingly winning story of hardship and resilience."
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The New Yorker"Bronsky lands another hit with this hilarious, disturbing, and always irreverent blitz."
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Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“I plan to . . . read whatever comes next from this important new literary voice.”
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Ms. Magazine
“Bronsky’s lean writing style . . . propels the reader from page to page.”
—Shelf Awareness"Alina Bronsky writes with a gritty authenticity and unputdownable propulsion."
—
Vogue
