Search for home and love declaration to the Schlei - Lars Haider's new novel swaps crime for nostalgia by the Schlei fjord
Lars Haider has released a new novel, At the End of the Road, the Schlei, marking a shift from his earlier crime fiction. The book introduces a fresh protagonist and explores themes of nostalgia, love, and self-discovery. Set against the serene backdrop of the Schlei fjord, the story follows an advertising executive on a deeply personal journey.
The novel centres on Konstantin Wagner, a 40-something advertising professional sent to sell his parents' holiday home by the Schlei. The task forces him to revisit his past and confront unresolved emotions. Along the way, he reconnects with his first love, sparking reflections on happiness and life's purpose.
Unlike Haider's previous crime novels featuring detective Lukas Hammerstein, this work belongs to the Heimatroman genre. It focuses on emotional ties to place and community, with the Schlei's tranquil shores playing a key role. The plot, though predictable, draws readers in with its warmth and escapism, particularly appealing to those in middle age.
The Schlei itself—a narrow fjord near the Baltic Sea—becomes almost a character in the story. Its quiet beauty provides a backdrop for Wagner's introspection, blending nostalgia with the search for meaning. The novel's gentle pacing and emotional depth offer a contrast to Haider's earlier, grittier works.
Haider's latest book stands apart from his crime series, offering a reflective, character-driven narrative. The Schlei's picturesque setting and themes of homecoming give it a distinct, soothing quality. Readers looking for a story about second chances and personal growth will find much to engage with here.
