The Transformed

Two young people are transformed into raccoons. Thomas Brussig turns this situation into a highly amusing novel.

Bräsenfelde is a small, insignificant place, buried deep in the provinces. And yet something exciting, something incredible happens here. Fibi and Aram, two boisterous teenagers, turn into raccoons in the car wash at a local petrol station. No one can believe it, it seems like some kind of joke, but it becomes an undeniable reality that has to be dealt with. Quite a challenge for the young people’s families, their classmates and above all for themselves. Will this nonsense stand up to the test of a medical examination? By a vet for example? Or a paediatrician? What does the geneticist say? What about the legal implications? Human rights? Children’s rights? Animal rights? Will it go away again? And if not, can this miracle be used as a tourist attraction, to make money? In any case, the whole thing has to be brought to the attention of the media in a big way. Reporter teams soon begin to arrive from all over the world. Fibi moderates a daily show, with stars and starlets turning up to be interviewed by a raccoon. But what will become of Fibi and Aram?
Thomas Brussig creates an exciting novel from a bizarre, ludicrous situation, masterfully commenting on our contemporary society.