(Spoiler free) Tyll is the first work I’ve read by German author Daniel Kehlmann and wow I cannot wait to read more from him

(Spoiler free) Tyll is the first work I’ve read by German author Daniel Kehlmann and wow I cannot wait to read more from him. Falling into the genre of magical realism, the novel sees Kehlmann shaking up the reality of the Thirty Years War with the addition of Tyll Unlenspiegel, a jester borrowed from German folklore. Tyll, a talented ventriloquist, juggler and tight-rope walker, is such a compelling character: he’s omnipresent, everlasting and relentlessly mischievous. The novel is split into interlinking short stories yet Tyll (pictured on the book’s cover) haunts every scene, whispering into the ears of influential figures from 17th century Europe, manipulating them with his crafty ways and thus changing the course of history. Kehlmann is a wickedly clever writer, and his character of Tyll has the ability, in true jester style, to turn any scenario ridiculous. On multiple occasions, two juxtapositions such as science & religion, working class & royalty, collide in a way that no-one comes out superior, because Tyll is always in control. A really hilarious satire of royal ettiquette ensues when two royal leaders are placed in a room together for the first time and neither have a clue how to behave. The novel is set in a time period and during a war that I previously knew NOTHING about but it really doesn’t matter. Kehlmann guides you through it with a narrative that transforms an otherwise dry topic into something brilliant and I honestly became so addicted to the story and to Tyll. I’ve not read a book this beautifully written in years. With due credit given to the fantastic translator Ross Benjamin, each sentence is so carefully constructed which truly makes it a joy to read. Fans of Mikhail Bulgakov or Salman Rushdie will love this novel, as will anyone else seeking something unforeseen and magical. Tyll is nominated for the 2020 International Man Booker Prize so watch this space!

Daniel Kehlmann resurrects well-known character Tyll from German folklore, originally from the 16th century, he transplants this unlikely hero to the Thirty Years war between 1618 to 1648. Tyll is an entertainer through and through; a juggler, court jester, acrobat and a Robin Hood like figure. In the bleak world between the wars, Daniel Kehlmann creates a wonderfully funny, dark and surreal humour. Tyll on the fringes of society and with mockery in his eyes, watches everything but never really gets involved deeply. The plot is not linear and chronological but it still flows beautifully. It is a perfect blend of folklore, superstition, fantasy and moody bleak European history. Tyll travels through the most devastating years of the war, being a jester in courts, seeing the horrors and brutality, encountering various characters, some fictional and some real historical figures. You canny help but like our beady eyed, calculating jester Tyll. With an amazing translation, this book brings a little known period in history alive. It is funny, thoughtful, provocative and overall a real first class historical novel.

Of course I had heard of Tyll Ulenspiegel (also Till Eulenspiegel), a mythical will-o-the-wisp character who flamboyantly weaves his way through war ravaged regions, lands that we now know as Germany. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years’ War, which started in 1618 (and of course went on for 30 years).Some of you may also be familiar with Brecht’s “Mother Courage” which is also set against a similar, starkly evoked background of the 30 Years War. Tyll certainly has a Chaucerian cast of characters, with royalty, the evil miller and the baker’s daughter all making appearances and adding colour and intrigue to the narrative. The very late medieval setting is beautifully evoked (technically we are in the period of the Renaissance but the average inhabitant is still leading a hand-to-mouth existence in very stark circumstances). The rank smells rise from the pages, groats galore are eaten, beer is washed down and lives are lived. It is like observing a touring acting company of yore. I read this on a recent trip to Berlin when I visited a medieval Christmas Market at RAW, Friedrichshain, where there were fire jugglers, braziers and all manner of medieval props, as we supped Glühbier (not Wein) and the notably less medieval drink of warm spiced apple juice with a shot of Amaretto (delicious in case you are wondering!). It’s a must if you are visiting the Christmas Markets in Berlin! This totally enhanced my reading of the novel! Proper literary wanderlust! Can one call this book medieval magical realism? I am not sure, but it will appeal to those who love a bit of magic, chicanery and the appearance of the odd draconologist, all, with a good sense of story. I found it enchanting and entertaining, although it is not my go-to genre.

A thought-provoking and playfully macabre blend of history and folklore.