By the autumn of 1941 Jews could not legally leave Germany. So why didn’t the Klemperers flee while they could? Victor’s elder brother, Georg, was living in the United States. They had the possibility of sponsorship and support. The answer to that question lies within the pages of the diaries.

Yet you will feel for them. You will know their frustration, almost desperation, their dislocation and their failure as they lead you through experiences you never had.

A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of those books that turns up on those 100 great books of the twentieth century lists. It’s a book you’ve...