Short Letter, Long Farewell

Summary

«Short Letter, Long Farewell» is a novel by Austrian writer Peter Handke, first published in 1972. The novel tells the story of a young man's journey across the United States, which begins after he receives a brief letter from his wife informing him that she wants to leave him. During his travels, the protagonist encounters various people and finds himself in different situations that prompt him to reflect on his life choices, values, and the nature of human relationships. The novel is imbued with meditations on love, loneliness, separation, and self-discovery, representing a complex journey both outward and inward.