The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
A Perfect Waiter, By Alain Claude Sulzer, trans John Brownjohn
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Erotic tendresse and mittel-European manners go hand-in- hand in Alain Claude Sulzer's perfectly-formed novella. The waiter of the title, Erneste, is a consummate professional.
Having spent his entire adult life waiting tables in the Restaurant am Berg – the dinning room of a smart Swiss hotel – he can indicate the way to the "toilettes" without pointing or even jerking his chin. His unruffled exterior, however, conceals the scars of a long-past hurt.
Sulzer draws the reader back to the events of a pre-war summer, and the arrival of Jakob Meier, a beautiful 19-year-old trainee entrusted to Erneste's care.
Tragically for Erneste, the young man also attracts the attention of one of the hotel's guests, an eminent émigré writer who has his own reasons for coming between the lakeside lovers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments