Twelve Nights by Urs Faes [Book Review]

Twelve Nights by Urs Faes is a novel set in Germany during the wintery, dark Christmas festive season and is centred on two brothers, Manfred and Sebastian. After a brutal argument caused a falling out between them over 40 years ago, Manfred decides its time to reunite with his brother. Filled with folklore and ancient myths, Sebastian’s life had been cursed because of the words Manfred uttered the last time he step foot in the village.

The writing in this novel is beautiful and scenic, and paired with its gorgeous cover, it isn’t hard to picture the scenes Swiss author Faes writes. There’s an air of poetry in his writing which is reminiscent of modern author Ali Smith and very entangled to nature and themes of rejection, love, and reconciliation, which traditionally, the Twelfth Night promises in German folklore.

Despite the book being under 100 pages, the characters are so tangible and well developed. Though we never really meet Sebastian, we experience his character so vividly through Manfred’s perspective and thus can relate to Sebastian and his tender nature, which I found extremely impressive.

The constant love and attention given to this theme of nature throughout, as if almost a love story to European winters, is the foundation of this novel and really encapsulates the feel of the book.

Overall, this little book is a quick read and one I’d encourage everyone to read with a warm drink in hand!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5