50 pages • 1 hour read
Jenny ErpenbeckGo, Went, Gone
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck follows Richard, a retired German philology professor, as he befriends and tries to assist a group of African refugees in Berlin. Initially unsure how to fill his time, Richard's perspective changes after encountering the refugees protesting for work and housing rights. His efforts to help them navigate bureaucratic barriers reveal the severity of their plight and inspire him to offer support and friendship. The book addresses themes of displacement, immigration policy, and human connection. This book contains themes of violence, death, and trauma related to the refugees' experiences.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jenny Erpenbeck's Go, Went, Gone is lauded for its poignant exploration of Europe's refugee crisis, blending profound empathy with a reflective narrative. Critics praise its emotional depth, nuanced character development, and stark societal commentary. However, some find its pace slow and narrative style distant. Overall, it's an impactful read on human displacement.
Who Should Read Go, Went, Gone?
Readers who would enjoy Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck are those interested in contemporary social issues, particularly immigration and displacement. Fans of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead or Exit West by Mohsin Hamid will appreciate its poignant exploration of human rights and identity within modern society.