Joseph Roth (1894-1939) ranks among the most important of early 20th-century European raconteurs. In his second novel, Hotel Savoy (1924), he skillfully depicts a string of events in the life of his Gabriel Dan. Roth was intent on portraying in prose the psychology of uprooted, hopeless, and hopeful.
Gabriel is adrift in a world torn asunder by a recent war, so for several months, he lives in the most prominent hotel in an Eastern town. He hopes that his wealthy uncle will offer him financial assistance, so he can travel westward.
Of course, Gabriel extends his stay at the Hotel Savoy, with reasons both varied and diverse. He does not hesitate to think of himself as cold and selfish. Much of his demeanor supports this belief. Experience has formed him into a man, who feels the loss of identity. He appears to be self-alienated in true Kafkaesque fashion.
It is helpful to remember the era in which the novel is set, and Roth himself was a gifted chronicler of that era. A fraction of a time line will demonstrate that it was an epoch that followed the trauma of the Great War (1914-1918). Europe was raked by revolutions and the advent of ardent nationalism; and the former is represented in this book. In a broader sense, Hotel Savoy symbolically depicts the destruction of antebellum Europe and the subsequent turmoil.
Of course, Gabriel extends his stay at the Hotel Savoy, with reasons both varied and diverse. He does not hesitate to think of himself as cold and selfish. Much of his demeanor supports this belief. Experience has formed him into a man, who feels the loss of identity. He appears to be self-alienated in true Kafkaesque fashion.
It is helpful to remember the era in which the novel is set, and Roth himself was a gifted chronicler of that era. A fraction of a time line will demonstrate that it was an epoch that followed the trauma of the Great War (1914-1918). Europe was raked by revolutions and the advent of ardent nationalism; and the former is represented in this book. In a broader sense, Hotel Savoy symbolically depicts the destruction of antebellum Europe and the subsequent turmoil.
A more local turmoil is initiated in the Eastern town when a billionaire visits it. Although important people know him and have met him during previous visits, they seem not to know his true motive in visiting the town from which, years before, he had immigrated to America. Dan Gabriel finds the answer among the poor, and the unexpected revelation surprised me somewhat. And, there is yet another surprise for the reader...
Hotel Savoy is a relatively short novel. The edition I read consisted of 127 pages, which were divided into four segments. But, even with the length, the book is an memorable work by a talented and tragic author.
Hotel Savoy is a relatively short novel. The edition I read consisted of 127 pages, which were divided into four segments. But, even with the length, the book is an memorable work by a talented and tragic author.
