Nothing by Janne Teller is a novel that is rather difficult – if it is even possible – to forget. Highly sensitive readers are better to be careful with this story, for it has been quite a long time since a work as powerful was released. It is overwhelming, sometimes it seems that it is too much, that it is too cruel, too merciless, but then you remember that even worse scenarios happen and a feeling of dread creeps in your soul. Before anyone starts reading this novel, they have to realize that it can change their idea of the world once and forever.
So, who is Pierre Anthon and why does he do that? Why can’t he behave like a normal teenager, spend time with friends, goofing around, dreaming, dating, and whatnot? There is no answer. Maybe something terrible has happened, maybe he has been abused, maybe he has a mental disorder, or is depressed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find out what other person thinks. It seems that he wants to tell something, but simply can’t find the right words to express his feelings. He is on his own, no one even tries to hear him out. It is really strange that no one – his father, his teacher, a headmaster – do anything about his sudden decision to leave school. It is like Pierre Anthon is invisible to everyone except for his classmates. He could have needed help! Could you imagine how many people like Pierre Anthon – desperate and lonely – are struggling to find help right now? So, let’s not judge him, for he has suffered enough.
Is it Pierre Anthon’s fault that his classmates turn into monsters? There is only one right answer and it is no! The crimes they commit can’t be justified by their desire to prove Pierre wrong. The boy doesn’t ask them to create “a heap of meaning,” doesn’t make them be cruel to each other. Everything they do happens only because they allow it to happen. These kids seem to test their own boundaries. Something that starts as a game turns into a parade of madness. Violence and hatred poison both their minds and hearts. Just like a herd, they stick together, for everyone understands that the moment anyone openly disagrees with the current development of a situation, he/she is going to join Pierre Anthon and become a new enemy. That is why all their protests are so meek. Even though they are just teenagers, it is really difficult to feel sorry for them. They could have stopped, but they didn’t.
Nothing by Janne Teller is like a mirror that reflects our flaws, for we are no better than those children. It is high time to admit that we are our own main enemies, that we are capable of cruelty, that we are not saints. Even though this novel leaves a rather depressing aftertaste, it is still worth reading. We need it as a reminder.
