‘But anyone who gets involved [i.e. a literary kind of sociological storytelling] and trusts the author, who is a good storyteller and sensitive observer, will be touched by this book. Loneliness can be experienced, witnessed, which in this case means sympathisable. [...] [Schobin] links the biographical descriptions of life with lucid sociological conceptualisations that make the individual dimension of the universally valid.’ - Gerald Wagner, FAZ
‘Janosch Schobin has extensive, carefully prepared source material at his disposal; he precise arguments and pays attention to detail. This book not only teaches us how complex such a feeling is, but also how deeply it is rooted in structures that an individual can hardly influence.’ - Thomas Steinfeld, Süddeutsche Zeitung
‘Absolutely worth reading.’ - Joachim Zdzieblo, Männer gestalten die Lebensmitte
Loneliness has many faces – but it always touches the person in their existence
John has never got over his parents’ death and has plunged into loneliness. Marta is subjected to her husband’s violence and has cut herself off from the world. Dolores has escaped poverty and now performs as a stage singer, but is estranged from her family.
Loneliness has many causes and characteristics.
A growing number of people suffer from it, not only since the Corona pandemic. Recently, the German government launched an initiative against loneliness. What has changed in society? Does the freedom to determine your own life increase your risk of loneliness?
Janosch Schobin’s book is highly relevant to our times and is for anyone who wants to explore this painful emotion.