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Fred Schäfer

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The Invention of the Big Bang: A mysterious, thought-provoking and inspiring novel about taking risks and living life unconditionally Kindle Edition

by Fred Schäfer (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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Ludwig is a wealthy banker, who wants to be an artist. His wife Gina is convinced that matter and time can’t exist. Daniel and Monika, a young bohemian couple, live happy lives with values and beliefs that are in almost every aspect the opposite of what Ludwig and Gina’s lives are about.
One day Ludwig starts telling Daniel his story: how he helped political refugees to escape to Casablanca; how he lost everything and what happened then; how he and Gina travelled the world. But there was more. It took a long time before Daniel discovered the banker’s secret: the dark events that once dominated his past and that even Gina didn’t know.
Despite all their differences, the friendship between the two unlike couples grows over many years. But then, one day, the dark parts of Ludwig’s past catch up with him.

Print length

232 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publication date

August 17, 2012
File size

2007 KB
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Enhanced typesetting

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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008Z73S22
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services (August 17, 2012)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 17, 2012
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2007 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1490388699

Customer Reviews:
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Fred Schäfer

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Fred Schäfer, a German-born author who now resides in Australia, has established himself as a prolific writer with a diverse range of literary works. With a portfolio of more than twenty books, including novels, memoirs, an autobiography, and nonfiction works focused on overcoming adversity, Schäfer has captivated readers with his unique storytelling and thought-provoking narratives.

Among his notable works, "The 92-Year-Old Lady Who Made Me Steal a Dead Man's Car" stands out as Schäfer's bestselling and most imaginative literary fiction novel. This gripping tale showcases his mastery of storytelling and ability to weave intricate plots that leave readers on the edge of their seats.

In his philosophical and introspective autobiography titled "Identity Uncertain", Schäfer delves deep into his own life, offering a daringly honest and humorous reflection on his multifaceted existence. With alternative titles such as "Departing to Heaven at a Mutually Convenient Time" and "Living in a World of Unidentifiable Realities," this memoir showcases Schäfer's ability to explore complex themes while infusing his narratives with wit and charm.

Another remarkable work by Schäfer is his sci-fi novel, "Having Coffee and Cake with the Devil in Chicago". This thought-provoking and often humorous tale pushes the boundaries of the genre and has the potential to be adapted into a captivating film, with the likes of George Clooney and Natalie Portman bringing the main characters to life. While suggesting the book to Steven Spielberg may be a jest, who knows where such intriguing stories can lead?

In his latest novel, "Hidden Realities", Schäfer takes readers on a captivating journey through the realms of perception and existence. With his signature blend of philosophical exploration and engaging storytelling, Schäfer challenges readers to question the nature of reality itself.

Fred Schäfer's writing transcends traditional boundaries, inviting readers into a world where imagination knows no limits. His ability to infuse humour, introspection, and profound insights into his works sets him apart as a remarkable author who continues to captivate audiences with each new publication.

Customer reviews

3.6 out of 5

29 global ratings

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Stanislaw Kapuscinski aka Stan Law

Ode to the Bohemians

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2012

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Among the masses of words proliferating the market of the electronic world, sometimes, rarely, there comes a tale that makes one forget about the mundane reality and sweeps one along into a different time and space.

Kurt Vonnegut is reported to have said that a novel ought to take the reader to his destination by the shortest route as quickly as possible. This is not such a novel. It is a yarn spoken at leisure, rather like a cork bobbing on the surface of an ocean of existentialism. Carefree, contented, until something within us turns the lustrous surface into turbulent waters. Then, a monster emerges from the deeps to take rein over the surface, only to return to his dark domain. A strange, almost an impersonal journey.

Yet, it is not really the destination that matters, but the trip itself. One is tempted to visit the many places, which the author visited, looking for his memories scattered throughout the world. It is peppered with phrases such as "less is more", overtones of Mies van der Rohe, with the brushstrokes of Picasso, Gaudi and Kandinsky, and with philosophies that must be read at the author's pace. I shall therefore, leave you to do so. It seems that only becoming a true Bohemian offers permanent happiness. Find out for yourself. Become engrossed in the novel, even as I was. You'll enjoy it. Also, even as I did. You won't regret it.

And don't forget the love triangles or even more complex geometric figures; and finally, the Big Bang. But those you'll have to discover for yourself. Enjoy the trip!"

[...]

3 people found this helpful

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Rosario Lopez

They seem to be very intelligent, but at the same time they seem to ...

Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2014

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The characters in this book were too odd and bohemian for me. They seem to be very intelligent, but at the same time they seem to be incapable of felling happy enough to have a reasonable life. At some point, I decided that the book didn’t worth the effort of finishing it, so I deleted it.

2 people found this helpful

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Teege

Entertaining, Humbling, and Worthy of a Big Bang

Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2012

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I found this story to be an entertaining read and was wow'd by the author's ability to conceive of a story-line and characters that seemed so real that I continually found myself speculating about who they may be. The characters are well-rounded individuals, each offering a different perspective, with a narrator who tells a beautiful, succinct story of a man (essentially two people really) overcoming grave challenges and celebrating joyous blessings while seemingly spanning the globe - even touching base just outside of my own hometown in Texas. Look to this book to whisk you away to another era and in to the mind of a complex and sensitive man determined to survive.

2 people found this helpful

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Clive Lilwall

Some Answers to Life's Big Questions

Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2012

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"The Invention of the Big Bang" is a wonderful novel about the mysteries of life and how we can attempt to resolve them. Fred Schäfer's style is reminiscent of that of Kurt Vonnegut, in which the author treats you to his innermost thoughts while weaving his story of love and hate, creating a conversation between the author and his readers. Ludwig, the main character, appears at first to have his life under control, but dark moments from his past reveal the struggles he undergoes to maintain his positive nature. Gina, his wife, excels in her role of a philosopher who challenges herself and Ludwig to answer the crucial questions life throws at them.
One of the most satisfying elements of this book concerns how the main characters attempt to resolve their challenges. Interwoven in the story is the inspiration that lights up the world of artists who immerse themselves in their work, throwing commercial considerations to the winds to satisfy their creative needs.
The story is complex and multi-faceted. In the best tradition of a novel, the reader finds it impossible to guess the outcome. The lessons Ludwig, Gina and their friends Daniel and Monika learn along the way reveal a profound understanding by the author of how in time conflicts can be resolved in deeply satisfying ways.

3 people found this helpful

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Margaret Howard

might be a good book...

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2014

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I never got very far. There wasn't much to grab my attention. There didn't seem to be a point - just a rambling tale about a man searching for the meaning of life. A noble goal but not much in the way of interesting reading for me.

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sherrirose

I really WANTED to like it

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2013

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After reading all the reviews for this book and it's story line I just knew this book was written especially for me.

I agree with the others that it needs some editing and "cleaning up" and I am usually pretty forgiving in that area, but this story seems to be in need of a total overhaul in my opinion. It was like I was reading someone's very rough first draft. Within a matter of two sentences you would go forward and then back again several decades. I kept getting confused/lost.

I also got the impression that the writer was tiring of the story and just kind of wrapped things up quickly in order to be done with it.

The reason this disappointed me so much was because I really loved the characters. I could relate to Ludwig and his wish to be a bohemian. I was right there with him, cheering him on so maybe he would do it, for both of us.

It has the potential to be a REALLY cool story.

5 people found this helpful

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eamon

An original and rewarding read

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2012

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The Invention of the Big Bang is a well written story which I found unique and original. it tells the story predominately of Ludwig and his journey through life and those he encountered. Yet it is more than that, as a reader you continually find yourself thinking and pondering bigger questions. I enjoyed the way the mysteries of life and philosophy are interwoven into the story, which itself is fascinating. It was a different book to what I usually read and I found myself continually wanting to read on to see where it took me. The brisk writing, well formed characters and strong dialogue move the mutli-layered story on at a good steady pace. I found it an interesting and rewarding read.

10 people found this helpful

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DMPDX

Great read, but needs a final edit.

Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2012

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This is great book with fully flushed, thought-provoking characters and story line. I truly felt invested in the characters. The only down side is that there are quite a few grammatical mistakes (such as using "then" when it should be "than"). While I understand that this happens and I am by no means a "grammar snob", it is a bit distracting when you are fully engrossed in the story and a small mistake jars you back to the real world.

A final edit to clean up the text would make this a 5-star read.

2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Ondine

beautiful

Reviewed in Germany on December 17, 2012

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This was a surprise and something downloaded to amuse. It was beautiful and funny and just a surprise of a good book.

glasgow reader

Compelling and a page turner

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2012

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I found this a most original and unorthodox novel largely related as a testament by the narrator, while treating you to his own thought development. The characters were lovable and the story gathered pace beautifully. Although an easy read, it was also thought provoking with the narrator often questioning himself as much as the reader. It sometimes took a little bit of effort to appreciate the author's direction and the interludes of introspection and philosophising but for me it was an effort richly rewarded. I loved it.

3 people found this helpful

Hisboss

Got lost.............

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2013

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I tried very hard to like this book and stuck with it but it did not hold my attention for very long. After I got to half way I gave up. It rambled too much and I got lost...........

One person found this helpful

Julie H

good read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 11, 2013

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I enjoyed this book a great deal! I have read other titles from this author and I have to say this did not disappoint.

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The Invention of the Big Bang: A mysterious, thought-provoking and inspiring novel about taking risks and living life unconditionally Kindle Edition

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Fred Schäfer

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