Author of the Month: Irmgard Keun
Selected by the Bookshop
Our Author of the Month for September is Irmgard Keun (1905-1982), German novelist and feminist, who shot to prominence in the Weimar Republic with her second book The Artificial Silk Girl. When her novels were suppressed by the Nazis, she tried to sue the Gestapo for loss of earnings; having escaped Germany in the late 1930s, she faked her death in order to return under a false identity. During this period she also composed what is arguably her masterpiece, the harrowing After Midnight. ‘I cannot think of anything else that conjures up so powerfully the atmosphere of a nation turned insane,’ wrote one reviewer. Keun’s work is unforgettable: furious, pin-sharp and frequently very funny.
From the publisher:
Translated by Michael Hofmann'A great writer' Ali SmithNewly translated by Michael Hofmann, the touching final novel from the author of Child of All Nations'I don't think I'm that unusual, and I don't think I'm crazy either'Bombed-out…
From the publisher:
Translated by Anthea BellDepicting a young woman's life in Nazi Germany, a masterpiece from the author of Child of All Nations'I cannot think of anything else that conjures up so powerfully the atmosphere of a nation turned insane' Sunday…
From the publisher:
Translated by Geoff WilkesA brilliant, bestselling feminist novel from Weimar Germany, from the author of Child of All Nations'A formidable literary talent ... Sharp yet naive, Gilgi is utterly human' Irish TimesGilgi knows where she's…
From the publisher:
Translated by Kathie von AnkumA hilarious, tragic novel about a would-be movie star in 1920s Berlin, from the author of Child of All Nations Doris is going to be a big star. Wearing a stolen fur coat and recently fired from her office job,…
Recommended by Jimmy
‘A funny and touching account of the nomadic life of a family in exile from Nazi Germany. Told through the eyes of the young girl Kully, it is more relevant now than ever.’
Latest booklists
Latest booklists
