22 Bahnen | Caroline Wahl

Caroline Wahl’s 22 Bahnen is a brilliant debut novel that really lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. This is a beautifully written story that follows Tilda, a young woman caught between responsibility and desire as she navigates the complex world of family, loss, and self-discovery.  

Wahl’s prose is sharp yet tender, and she manages to paint a vivid picture of small-town life and the heavy weight of responsibility. Tilda’s relationship with her younger sister, Ida, is particularly moving; It's full of love, sacrifice, and unspoken emotions that feel touchingly real. The swimming pool, that Tilda frequents, counting her 22 laps (22 Bahnen = 22 laps in English), becomes a powerful metaphor for both escape and endurance.  

What makes 22 Bahnen a truly remarkable story is its emotional depth. Wahl masterfully captures the quiet, everyday struggles of her characters, making their pain and resilience feel  personal. The novel is raw yet hopeful, heart-breaking yet uplifting. This is a rare balance that few authors manage to achieve so effortlessly. 

If you enjoy character-driven novels with stunning prose and profound emotional resonance, 22 Bahnen is a must-read. Caroline Wahl is definitely an author to watch, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.