The Right Hand of Sleep by John Wray

This document presents excerpts from John Wray's novel, "The Right Hand of Sleep," including the table of contents, critical acclaim, and author biography. The narrative itself follows Oskar Voxlauer, a man with a complex past, as he returns to his Austrian village of Niessen after serving in a war and becoming a "Bolshevik." Through his interactions with his family, particularly his mother, and other villagers like Else, Ryslavy, Gustl, and Kurt, the story explores themes of post-war disillusionment, political turmoil (including references to the rise of Nazism and the assassination of Dollfuss), personal identity, and the lingering effects of the past. The text interweaves present-day events with Oskar's fragmented memories of the war, his family life, and his experiences abroad, revealing a narrative steeped in historical context and psychological depth.