At first glance, Labiner’s lesson-oriented novel may seem like a quirky way to structure a story, but once we were able to absorb the first dozen or so teachings it becomes clear that there’s a lot to learn before we can fully grasp -- or embrace -- this tale. Eventually, everything comes into focus as two cousins -- one a carefree Hollywood celebrity, the other a neurotic romance writer -- meet in Berlin and gradually unravel a tragic family mystery.

Labiner, a Minneapolis novelist whose first two books have received national acclaim, tests our patience early, offering brief sketches of characters and tantalizing glimpses of their interlocking lives. And her style and use of language shift at times, as if on a whim, ranging from spare, almost emotionless, prose to lush and intense storytelling that compels us forward. But, she ultimately delivers a powerful and satisfying tale full of intrigue and tragedy that spans several generations and plays out on two continents. All in all, these are lessons worth learning.
— Craig Cox

German for Travelers: A Novel in 95 Lessons
Nora Labiner
Coffee House Press
$14.95