Novel Air downwards Tamara Štajner's work literally leaves little air upwards

Tamara Štajner’s new novel Luft nach unten has already garnered critical acclaim before its official release, winning awards such as the Kelag Prize at the Ingeborg-Bachmann-Preis competition two years ago. Now published by Zsolnay, the book has been awarded the Exil Literature Prize by the Vienna-based organization Exil and ranks number one on the ORF bestseller list. The novel marks Štajner’s second literary work and follows the story of Iva, a woman returning to her childhood home near Lake Ohrid in present-day North Macedonia after many years living in Vienna. Her journey is prompted by the death of Marija, her former babysitter, whose grave bears the names of both Marija and a seven-year-old girl who died in the summer of 1989. This discovery sets off a chain of revelations about family secrets buried in the past. The narrative unfolds through Iva’s letters to her mother, a central figure in the novel who struggles with obesity and frequent eating binges. These letters serve as a means of communication between Iva and her mother, despite their emotional distance. The tone of these correspondences is not accusatory but filled with affection, revealing some of the most poignant moments in the book. Meanwhile, Iva’s life in Vienna is marked by marital tension with her husband Felix, who is eager for children but unable to conceive. Their attempts to overcome this challenge lead to humorous yet strained scenes, contrasting sharply with Iva’s secret affair with a married man, which offers a more liberated form of intimacy. Štajner’s novel delves into complex relationships, particularly within the context of post-Yugoslav history and personal identity. The setting shifts between Iva’s childhood home in what was once Yugoslavia and her current life in Austria, highlighting the cultural and emotional dissonance she experiences. The novel explores themes of memory, loss, and the search for belonging, all while weaving together different narrative forms, from traditional storytelling to modern digital communication, creating a layered and multifaceted portrayal of Iva’s world. The author draws heavily from her own life experiences, much like her protagonist. Štajner is a musician, performer, and writer based in Vienna, originally from Slovenia. She has expressed deep admiration for women from the former Yugoslav region, including Iva’s mother, who embodies resilience and complexity. While Luft nach unten is rooted in personal experience, it transcends autobiography, offering a richly textured exploration of familial bonds and historical trauma. Critics have praised the novel for its poetic language and innovative structure, noting how Štajner’s musical background influences her prose, especially in the letters written to her mother. The integration of diverse narrative styles, ranging from classical storytelling to contemporary messaging platforms, adds depth and relevance to the story. The novel’s title, Luft nach unten, suggests a downward trajectory, possibly reflecting the emotional weight carried by the characters and the unresolved tensions that drive the plot forward. As the novel continues to gain attention, it is expected to spark further discussions about the role of literature in exploring personal and collective histories. With its blend of lyrical expression and narrative experimentation, Luft nach unten stands as a compelling addition to contemporary European fiction.