Homecoming, a novel by Bernhard Schlink

Starting out with the story of a young Peter Debauer visiting his grandparents in Switzerland during the summer holidays, Schlink manages to take us through Debauer's lifetime, joys and travails. Ably translated from the original German language edition, it is done by Michael Henry Heim.

The author takes us into Switzerland and the young Debauer's view and understanding of his visits. His grandfather talk him on long walks enlightening his world with stories of history and military battles.

Brought up by his mother, young Peter had never met his father whom he was led to believe had perished during the war. His father's parents were his only contact with his past.

Grasping at straws, our youth began to read scraps of information from a book he believed the grandparents were going to publish, The information was sparse and spotty. From it and intense searching, Peter Debauer was able to learn that his father was alive and was located in NYC.

Forsaking everything, Peter moved to NYC and managed to meet his father without disclosing their relationship. Schlink describes these encounters and the finality of Peter Debauer's search. The author has been able to weave together an interesting novel.

Homecoming is a Vintage International/Vintage Books, a Division of Random House, Inc.