cover image Earrings

Earrings

Eric Koch. Mosaic Press (NY), $15 (200pp) ISBN 978-0-88962-775-8

Luminaries of the 19th century mingle in Baden-Baden, the summer playground of writers and royalty, in Earrings, Eric Koch's latest historical novel (after the Weimar Republic-focused The Man Who Knew Charlie Chaplin). Amid such a rich milieu, Koch reimagines the life of his grandfather, Robert Koch a man who became ""one of the most eminent jewelers in Europe"" as he tries to gain fortune and favor. Baths, performances, parties, birthdays and orgies: Koch chronicles people real and imagined, and scenes historical and fantastical, in lush detail and intelligent prose.