Kokoschkins Reise is a story about a voyage. In English there is a distinction between voyages and journeys, which are both encompassed by the German word Reise. Still, one should not think of "Reise" as travel, but think more of the word "journey".

In fact, Kokoschkin is on a ship for most of the narrative of Kokoschkins Reise, although the story meanders and relates various other travels, as well. In fact, Kokoschkin has made the same voyage in opposite directions several times. Kokoschkin's voyage and travels are told in great detail. At first it is all unclear, and the reader is tempted to look for significance. The story creates a sense of intrigue. However, by the end of the story it has become clear that Kokoschkin's life has been the journey all along: "Life is a journey".

Kokoschkin's life is an interesting story in itself. It tells the history of the European continent, particularly after the aristocracy fell from grace in Russia with the October Revolution.

Hans Joachim Schädlich style is verging on the non-fictional. His novels are like biographies of people, written mixing fact with fantasy. ( )