Although the first-person narrator Kemi doesn't like being out in nature, he has to go to a forest camp during the summer holidays. He is quiet. An outsider. Jörg is also at the camp and stands out because of his somewhat nerdy enthusiasm for nature. While Kemi "only" experiences indifferent marginalisation, Jörg has to endure brutal bullying. The shameful relief of being spared makes Kemi reluctant to leave his role as an observer. A wolf, which he encounters in various dreams, visualises his inner conflict metaphorically and vividly.
From the perspective of a spectator who allows the bullying to happen without intervening, Saša Stanišić unfolds an event that is as exciting as it is oppressive. Using everyday narrative language that is captivatingly funny and witty despite the gravity of the subject, the reader is introduced to Kemi's thoughts on the question of what actually leads to bullying. Author and protagonist prove to be keen observers of social conditions: The utter failure of the educational staff is made just as tangible as Kemi's shame resulting from doing nothing. Regina Kehn's sharply contoured illustrations in black and yellow create a multi-layered web of text and image and are thought-provoking. This title is nominated for the 2024 German Children՚s Literature Award.