The lyrical, bestselling 2014 German Book Prize winner. It is 1989, & a young literature student named Ed, fleeing unspeakable tragedy, travels to the Baltic island of Hiddensee. Long shrouded in myth, the island is a notorious destination for hippies, idealists, & those at odds with the East German state. On the isl&, Ed stumbles upon the Klausner, Hiddensee`s most popular restaurant, & ends up washing dishes there, despite his lack of papers. Although he is keen to remain on the sidelines, Ed feels drawn towards the charismatic Kruso, unofficial leader of the seasonal workers. Everyone dances to Kruso`s tune. He is on a mission
- but to what end, & at what cost? Ed finds himself drawn ever deeper into the island`s rituals, & ever more in need of Kruso`s acceptance & affection. As the wave of history washes over the German Democratic Republic, the friends` grip on reality loosens & life on the island will never be the same.