Страх вратаря перед одиннадцатиметровым

This volume pairs two works of fiction by П. Хандке. Both explore lives marked by fear and inner strife. They show people at odds with themselves and the world. They question a life that lacks meaning or spiritual depth.

In the title novella, former goalkeeper Josef Bloch drifts through Vienna. He meets a cinema cashier and spends the night with her. The next morning, he strangles her, then flees to a small town. In hiding, he follows police reports in the papers. He senses that those pursuing him are drawing closer.

The second work follows a young writer through America. He faces a deep spiritual crisis and conflict with his wife. She has set out to kill him. He moves between cities and hotels, but cannot escape himself. His journey explores a longing for real change and freedom from time.