Not all authors have a family, but most authors write, not always but most of the time. When an author from time to time is unable to write, the family, if existent, can be a resort, especially if it stretches over several generations and also includes young children.
In this case, it is grandson Samuel who learns the language which the author seems to be lacking. Samuel finds and invents words, offers the most ludicrous leaps of syllables and pranks, and totally astonishes his grandfather. Samuel´s exuberant fantasy makes the grandfather realise his own blockade. And hence, there is only one solution: The wonderfully inspiring tensions between child and old man, the word-freeing humour of everyday life and the intimate relationship of the two have to be told. And the grandson shall learn how important he has become for his grandfather. This is achieved by five letters, the core of this warm-hearted story.
Peter Härtling achieves a real feat: Through the accurate observance of the behaviour and speech of an infant, he finds a way to write about substantial topics – love, old age, responsibility, death – and thus to deeply move the reader.
