A selection of novels to read this autumn

“Kairos”, from an ancient Greek word that can be simply translated as “the right time”, is a story of history both grand and intimate. Hans, in his early 50s, and 19-year-old Katharina meet on a bus in East Berlin in 1986. Their relationship plays out momentously—and destructively—as the German Democratic Republic begins to crumble. The couple conduct their clandestine relationship at a time when secrecy and paranoia are woven into the political fabric. As the certainties and protection of the Soviet system disintegrate, so the atmosphere of the book grows darker and more anxious. “Kairos” is a continuation of Jenny Erpenbeck’s series of novels about Germany over the past century. The author has proved time and again that she is a fearless, astute examiner of a country’s soul. Narrated alternately by Hans and Katharina, and with a sublime translation by the great Michael Hofmann, “Kairos” powerfully examines individual as well as collective history. Read our full review.