Krabat (English: The Satanic Mill. Yes, really) is unique and I’m having a hard time finding anything similar. The story of a poor orphan during the 30 years war, who signs up for an apprenticeship in a mill and finds himself learning the Dark Arts – it should be cheesy, or cheap, or odd. Instead it’s like a deep old fairy tale, complete with violence, love, friendship, death and magic.
We read the book in school and it’s one of the few books that school didn’t manage to ruin for me. It’s just too good. The writing is excellent, the structure is awesome and slightly ritualistic. Plus, there is a rock album.
