Gripping and moving, wide-ranging, eye-opening and angering, but not quite as interesting as the first part [b:The Capital|41817524|The Capital|Robert Menasse|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556248911l/41817524.SY75.jpg|57532743]. Several wonderfully meandering plotlines with memorable characters come together to paint the picture of a Europe searching for itself (or is it?).

After such a wild ride of 600 pages through Poland, Belgium, Albania, and other places, I was disappointed by the abrupt and seemingly pointless ending. Also, if you're thinking about picking this book up because of the "cruise ship" thing - don't, it's not featured very much.

I don't think it's necessary to read [b:The Capital|41817524|The Capital|Robert Menasse|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556248911l/41817524.SY75.jpg|57532743] before delving into this one. There is thematic overlap and the narration style is similar, but no prior knowledge is required.