http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/05/arts/05EDER.html "Furthermore, the writing is difficult, often cloudy and, superficially at least, self-indulgent. There are a lot of spines to get past to this sea urchin's saline flesh. Many would not try. Praised by literary adepts, Koeppen remains largely a name in Germany and less than that elsewhere."