Super Short Summary

Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck follows Richard, a retired German philology professor, as he befriends and tries to assist a group of African refugees in Berlin. Initially unsure how to fill his time, Richard's perspective changes after encountering the refugees protesting for work and housing rights. His efforts to help them navigate bureaucratic barriers reveal the severity of their plight and inspire him to offer support and friendship. The book addresses themes of displacement, immigration policy, and human connection. This book contains themes of violence, death, and trauma related to the refugees' experiences.