Exploring "Perfection" by Vincenzo Latronico: A Portrait of Expat Life in Berlin
Introduction to the Novel
"Perfection," a novel by Italian author Vincenzo Latronico, translated into English by Sophie Hughes, offers a compelling exploration of expat life in contemporary Berlin. Set against the backdrop of a city that has transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture, the story follows Anna and Tom, two creative professionals who relocate from a peripheral city in Southern Europe to a charming late-19th-century flat in Neukölln, one of Berlin’s trendiest neighborhoods. The narrative unfolds during Angela Merkel’s second term, a time when Berlin was solidifying its status as the de facto capital of Europe.
A Modern Critique of Expat Culture
Latronico’s work serves as a modern update to the critiques of consumer culture famously articulated by Georges Perec in the 1960s. Rather than echoing the cosmopolitan dramas of Henry James, "Perfection" delves into the lives of digital nomads—individuals whose lifestyles are shaped by the technological advancements of American tech giants and the policies crafted in European capitals. Through Anna and Tom, Latronico meticulously dissects the tastes, attitudes, and blind spots of this new class of expatriates, revealing the complexities of their existence.
The Prosthetic Selfhood of Expatriates
In the opening chapter, the couple’s attempt to rent out their flat is emblematic of their identity. The items they choose to showcase—ranging from a limited-edition Radiohead record to a stylish Danish armchair—serve as extensions of their selfhood, reflecting a curated lifestyle that is both aspirational and superficial. Berlin, for Anna and Tom, becomes more than just a city; it is a defining element of their identity, overshadowing even their professional pursuits. This notion of a "prosthetic selfhood" raises questions about authenticity in a world where identity is often constructed through material possessions and social media.
Collective Identity and Transience
Latronico employs the collective pronoun “they” to describe Anna and Tom, effectively representing them not just as a couple but as part of a larger, invented community of expats. This choice underscores the transient nature of their social circle, which is composed of individuals from various European countries, yet notably lacks deep connections to Germany itself. The community is inherently unstable, with members frequently departing for new opportunities, grappling with personal challenges, or simply yearning for home. Each spring, a fresh wave of expats arrives, perpetuating a cycle of impermanence.
Digital Culture and Global Disconnection
The cultural fabric that binds Anna and Tom’s social circle is woven not in the streets of Berlin but online. They navigate a digital landscape filled with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, which shape their interactions and worldviews. Their discussions often revolve around global events and cultural phenomena, primarily filtered through the lens of major media outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times. This reliance on digital narratives creates a disconnect from the local realities of Berlin, where pressing issues—such as the plight of refugees or the socio-political climate—are overshadowed by distant headlines.
The Illusion of Cosmopolitanism
As Anna and Tom immerse themselves in this curated lifestyle, they gradually confront the harsh reality that a lifestyle devoid of genuine political engagement is ultimately hollow. The novel poignantly illustrates that while they may be living in a cosmopolitan city, their experiences are often superficial and disconnected from the socio-political dynamics at play. The conditional tense used throughout the narrative emphasizes their ephemeral existence, suggesting that their memories and experiences are fleeting and lack substance.
Conclusion: A Reflection on Expat Life
"Perfection" by Vincenzo Latronico is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of expat life in Berlin. Through the lens of Anna and Tom, the novel critiques the superficiality of digital nomad culture and the challenges of forging meaningful connections in an increasingly transient world. Latronico’s keen observations and Sophie Hughes’s adept translation bring to life the struggles and aspirations of a generation navigating the intricacies of identity, belonging, and the quest for authenticity in a globalized society.
