How can we come to terms with the passing of time? What happens in us when life outwardly becomes more and more monotonous? Which long-cherished habits do we retain, and which are suddenly upended? How do we relate to the current zeitgeist when we have already lived through so many others? Albert von Schirnding reflects on much-loved books that have accompanied him through the years, about the music of his life, about people and encounters, about moments of failure and salvation. He attentively traverses the landscape of old age and finds both light and shadow there in equal measure.

• About what really matters at the end of life

• A kaleidoscope of thoughts about the light and shade of old age and about what really matters at the end of life

• Sincere, serene and comforting