The theme of paper is the common thread running through the Vorarlberger’s ninth novel. This declaration of love to the analog is many things, just not an ordinary novel. First of all, “The Happy Secret” is a kind of workshop talk. Geiger talks about how he defines himself as a person and a writer (he thinks that’s inseparable) and he talks about the hardships of the beginning, when he was in his mid-twenties in what was then gloomy Vienna; how he struggled for his texts, their completion and distribution, even under physical strain. And how someone always stood by him: his editor. The digs at publishing per se are exciting. For example, that only a few believed in the subsequent huge success “We’re doing well”.
And then there’s the All About Arno thing. (The private details revealed by Geiger justify the confidential form of address, otherwise the reviewer is not on first terms with the author.) Geiger reports on love, on happiness and failure, and also on death. Some of the descriptions seem banal (“I have to say, such an illness takes a toll on you”). Elsewhere, the private moments are touching, especially those that concern the parents: when the son hands the suspenders to the father, who is suffering from dementia, and to the explanation “so that you don’t lose your trousers” he replies: “I would prefer not to lose my mind. ”
When it comes to writing, Geiger says he is “more than a writer”, justifying his openness. He is at the same time son, partner, brother, friend.
You don’t have to agree with Arno Geiger’s attitude towards the profession of writer. But his plea for it is moving.