Andy Merkel is from Germany and lives in London. During the day, he installs German double glazing windows into draughty Victorian houses, in the evening he takes to the stage, as a stand-up comedian, a joke in itself in the eyes of his English audience. A funny German!
While studying in London, Andy realised that for the English there’s nothing funnier than a German with a sense of humour. “I’m Andy. I’m from Germany.” This is usually enough to prompt the first jeers from his English audience. And Andy knows what subjects get the English smiling: Hitler, Bratwurst and penalties. Nowhere does Andy feel as German as he does in London, and nowhere does he feel so at home.
Just as he’s about to make his breakthrough to London’s bigger stages with a cabaret programme that subtly attacks the stereotypes of both nations, Andy innocently causes a tragic accident. The Funny German recounts the ten weeks after the accident when he struggles with feelings of guilt and with the fact that his career is taking off as a result of the accident, of all things.
With great sensitivity, Ronald Reng tells the story of a young man who sees his dreams come true but ends up in emotional turmoil. The Funny German is an extraordinary blend of psychological subtlety and British humour. A moving novel full of humour and warmth.
