Allegro Pastel is a warm and beautifully told tribute to the complexities of life in a long-distance relationship during your early thirties. The novel is also a precise representation of a generation that has never been portrayed in this way in German media before. Leif Randt, the bestselling author, has crafted a captivating story that is true-to-life (presumably fictional) and filled with real people, places and problems. The novel is all about happiness, exploring the lives of Tanja and Jerome, who are connected by their shared realities and struggles.
Tanja Arnheim, who is about to turn thirty, is a budding writer with a cult following for her debut novel PanoptikumNeu. She is searching for inspiration for her next book while enjoying the view of Berlin’s Volkspark Hasenheide. Meanwhile, her long-distance partner, Jerome Daimler, is a highly sought-after web designer, living in his parents’ bungalow in Maintal. He is constantly seeking self-discovery, attempting to understand his life as a spiritual journey. Although they are in a long-distance relationship, Tanja and Jerome stay closely connected through text messages, images, and visits during long weekends. They support each other through it all, from jogging in the nature reserve, to meditating in the Main Valley, to the constantly evolving communication, to their sex-positive lifestyle in Berlin.
Despite the challenges of their relationship, Tanja and Jerome remain largely immune to the suffering around them, from their parents, friends and even their own siblings. However, the challenge of preserving their affection while avoiding the pitfalls of a stale or painful existence remains a pressing concern for the couple.
What sets this novel apart is the portrayal of the two main characters, Tanja and Jerome, as narcissistic individuals. Despite this, readers will connect with them in a discomforting, self-admitting way. The characters visit the same clubs, eat at trendy restaurants, listen to the same music and engage in the same drugs as the reader. This makes Allegro Pastel an accurate representation of Generation Y, capturing both the unattractive and beautiful aspects of their lives.
Not only is the novel a thrilling read, but it can also be consumed for free as a Spotify version, narrated by the author himself, Leif Randt. However, the bound version is also an eye-catcher and a must-have for any hip shared apartment.
Leif Randt – copyright Zuzanna Kaluzna/ Kiepenheuer & Witsch
Allegro Pastel is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of life in a long-distance relationship. The novel is a true-to-life representation of a generation that has never been portrayed in this way before and is a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking novel. Whether you’re a fan of Leif Randt or simply interested in exploring the lives of Tanja and Jerome, this novel is sure to keep you entertained and captivated from beginning to end.
