Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man

Thomas Mann · 1875–1955 · Germany

Originally Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Felix Krull (German)

Why it matters

An irresistible con man charms his way up through European society, Mann's late, unfinished return to comedy after a career spent on decline and damnation. The picaresque rogue as a wink at his own younger, hungrier self.

At a glance

Playful, ornate voice, but the con artist's episodic exploits read easily.