An intricate and intriguing novel that explores expression and creation by an artist who sees the world somewhat differently from most people. From his early childhood, where his parents were somewhat remote, Sebastian has always had an alternative view of his surroundings and he pursues this when he takes up the profession of photography, Schirach draws you into his world as Sebastián’s reputation slowly grows. But then unexpectedly he is accused of murder. At this point, the German legal system comes to the fore and the difference in the way that it operates from Britain, makes for a fascinating drama as Sebastian attempts to manipulate his defence and trial and to make it into a piece of performance art, perhaps reaching the pinnacle of his achievements.

German lawyer Ferdinand von Schirach gives us a rather gentle mystery story in The Girl Who Wasn't There. Indeed, the book is more than half over before the crime gets a mention, so it reads more like a character study of its central character, photographer Sebastian von Eschburg. Sebastian is the scion of a wealthy but loveless family, and his father committed suicide when he was still a child. He is highly idiosyncratic, uncomfortable around people, and obsessed with colour, Goya and truth. When he has an epiphany on completion of one his works, he seems to go off the rails. The story jumps a few years, and suddenly he is charged with the murder of a missing girl.

Sebastian engages gun lawyer Biegler for his defence but Biegler is nonplussed about his client's detachment and unwillingness to be straight with him. Ultimately he unravels what is going on.

von Schirach's writing style is very matter-of-fact, like journalism, which was very effective in Crime where he was recounting real-life cases. I'm not sure that it works so well here, and the book feels a bit perfunctory. As a crime novel I don't think it works, because far more emphasis is given to the lead-up and character background and not enough to the actual crime and its aftermath. The account of the investigation is not all that engaging either, and doesn't deliver any big shocks, just a gradual unfolding of what happened. It's quite bucolic in some ways. I had hoped for better after enjoying Crime so much. ( )

Roman nach wahren Begebenheiten, crude

Sebastian von Eschburg verliert als Kind durch den Selbstmord seines Vaters den Halt. Er versucht, sich durch die Kunst zu retten. Er zeigt mit seinen Fotografien und Videoinstallationen, dass Wirklichkeit und Wahrheit verschiedene Dinge sind. Es geht um Schönheit, Sex und die Einsamkeit des Menschen. Als Eschburg vorgeworfen wird, eine junge Frau getötet zu haben, übernimmt Konrad Biegler die Verteidigung. Der alte Anwalt versucht, dem Künstler zu helfen – und damit sich selbst.

Ein schnörkelloser und präzise geschriebener Roman. Ein beeindruckendes Spiel der Sprache, die der Autor meisterhaft beherrscht. ( )