“The strength of this nearly 600-page novel rests on the sometimes uncertain, often funny, well-paced narrative. The short, focused chapters titled in parentheses by a single feature—the punctum in Barthes’ terms—gradually unveil a portrait of a vulnerable, often stubborn, flawed man who is not sure where he stands in the world.” — Joseph Schreiber, Rough Ghosts
“This monumental novel is clearly, at least in part, autobiographical . . . Photographs are key to this book as Bartis himself as well as Andras’s father and son are keen photographers . . . The photographic way of seeing things, scenes and people will play an important role. . .. A complex and fascinating novel.” — The Modern Novel
“A vivid and highly personal Künstlerroman about damaged lives deeply steeped in struggle, but nevertheless still occasionally shot through with glimmers of joy. Intensely human, painfully honest, and deftly written.” — Brian Evenson, author of Song for the Unraveling of the World, winner of the Shirley Jackson Award and finalist for the Ray Bradbury Prize
“The End is an amazing accomplishment and a testament to the ongoing cultural importance of Archipelago Books. It’s a fascinating book about photography, family (and the distance within families), and complicated love relationships against the backdrop of Hungary from the 60s till the 90s. Absolutely love the characterization, the starkness of the scenes, and Judith Sollosy’s translation. Just brilliant!” — Chad Post
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