Silke Scheuermann

Silke Scheuermann’s novel is not only set in Shanghai. The author uses the atmosphere of the places cited so intensively that the Chinese city itself appears to be like a character alongside the literary figures. (…) She describes a purely artificial world where the brilliant artist Margot acts in a way that is so detached and emotionally autistic that her arrogance resembles that of an alien. Even when human disaster breaks into her own stage-managed life and her biography catches up with her in Shanghai, the event exudes nothing but coldness. (…) In the end, Silke Scheuermann dismantles the image of women that she previously staged so tantalisingly as being a new feminine conception of life. Young, excellently educated, well-earning, successful women in the fast, smooth world of art and business who take what they want, whether it be a Dolce & Gabbana silk dress or a smart lover. Ideally unattached and willing to relocate worldwide.

Barbara von Becker: „Die Zukunft ist völlig leer“
© Frankfurter Rundschau, 28 February 2011