A civil war is the back drop to a cold, icy Winter. One man walks towards a spot, followed by another, both of whom are shephered by soldiers with gun. The first man begins to dig, as the other watches in silence.

It’s rather strange to think that this is the entirety of the book. The story draws on flashbacks to change the scenery, but in all, this is the only location where these two men will begin a discussion that will eventually result in an electrifying twist.

The characters are best remembered as the baker and the teacher, and the battle of power that shifts between the two is quite mesmerising and intriguing. This is a book that shows intelligence in prose that is performed by the two main characters. An intelligence that is rarely seen in books, let alone in a debut novel. But that is what this book demonstrates; it further backs this brilliance with a very powerful story that draws the reader in and will have them turning the page until the final, nail biting conclusion.

We know nothing of the characters at the start, except that one will dig, and the other will watch and smoke. The story itself is interesting, as it takes place in a short number of hours, during which the two characters discuss philosophy, life, death, treachery amongst other topics while men, women and children are carted into trucks and taken some distance away from the two men. A step closer to their own conclusions. It’s obvious to state, that the whole being dug is not for the good of the people.

I very often say that a particular debut novel is the best debut novel I’ve ever read, and that it is a must read. Perhaps I am over generous in my praise

One of the more interesting discussions that takes place is that of evil, and as the conversation continues, there seems to be a sinister truth that both men are aware of, but cannot bring themselves to announce. The baker and the teacher make their arguments for and against evil, of who is evil, and who is simply a tool of evil. All of these discussons have a deep bearing on what will become of the two men, and what is being sought by both.

Schopenhauer’s Telescope has some truly remarkable moments of humour, with the two men play acting historical battles from the past involving massacres, genoicde and slaughter. There’s a boyish charm as the two play act as Mongols, American soldiers amongst others, and you note the joy they both gain from the performance. There’s a surreal underlining to this at times, however, where the two characters play several other characters in their plays, taking on almost schizophrenic personas to cope with their characters, without forgetting themselves. It’s strange, but so amazingly managed that it flows without error, without interruption or confusion.

We know nothing of the characters at the start, except that one will dig, and the other will watch and smoke

I very often say that a particular debut novel is the best debut novel I’ve ever read, and that it is a must read. Perhaps I am over generous in my praise, or perhaps I am just lucky in that the few debut novels I have read fro mup coming authors, they have been thought provoking, original and remarkable in every respect.

Schopenhauer’s Telescope stands as not only my favourite debut novel so far, but perhaps one of my favourite novels overall. It’s the sort of book that you expect to come from an experienced, veteran of writing. Not from a debut writer. The simplicity of the writing, the majesty with which recreations of past violence are brought to life, and the incredible characterisation make this book an astonishing, accomplished piece of work.

Gerard Donavon has written a book so good that it’s an example of how modern day contemporary fiction can be. While the masses of idiots draw themselves to the drivel by Dan Brown, and start to believe in a stupified make-belief reality, they are missing out on a book that searches for a genuine truth and demonstrates the very core of human brutality in all its entire ugly form.

Verdict: An incredible debut novel that reminds you of the joy of reading