1974 Homo Faber - Max Frisch(Penguin)

Good copy name inside but fine. 

Homo Faber, a novel by Swiss author Max Frisch published in 1957, is a modernist work that examines themes of technology, fate, and existentialism. The title, Homo Faber, translates to “Man the Maker,” referring to humans’ capacity to control their environment through reason and technology, a concept that is both embraced and critiqued throughout the novel.

Plot Summary

The novel follows Walter Faber, a highly rational, emotionally detached engineer who believes in logic and the power of technology. He trusts in science to such a degree that he dismisses emotions, intuition, and anything that cannot be empirically proven. Faber’s worldview is profoundly shaken when a series of chance encounters and tragic events lead him into deeply personal and emotional territory.

Faber’s journey begins with a series of improbable coincidences: he reconnects with an old friend on a plane, survives a crash landing in the desert, and then embarks on a journey that leads him to meet a young woman named Sabeth, with whom he becomes romantically involved. In a twist that blends Greek tragedy with existential questioning, Faber later discovers that Sabeth is, in fact, his daughter from a long-lost lover, Hanna. This revelation comes too late to prevent the tragic consequences of their relationship, leading Faber to question the rigidity of his beliefs in logic and science.

Themes

Homo Faber explores several major themes, including:

• Rationalism vs. Fate: Faber’s dedication to logic and reason is pitted against the seeming inevitability of fate. His reliance on technology and rational thought contrasts with the unpredictability of life, which ultimately undermines his control.

• Alienation and Emotional Disconnection: Faber’s detachment reflects a modern alienation in a world dominated by technology. His inability to engage emotionally with those around him has devastating personal consequences, challenging the notion that intellect and detachment lead to fulfillment.

• Identity and Self-Discovery: The novel also tackles self-discovery, as Faber’s journey gradually erodes his confidence in