Focusing on the life and literary contributions of Stefan Heym, this study explores the experiences of Hitler's youngest literary exile. It offers an in-depth analysis of his works, highlighting their significance and impact on literature. As the first comprehensive examination available in English, it sheds light on Heym's unique perspective and the historical context surrounding his writing.
The Development of a Central Theme in East German Fiction 1945 1970
Focusing on East German fiction, this 1977 examination delves into the political division of Germany into two increasingly incompatible states. It explores how literature reflects and responds to the tensions and ideologies that arose from this division, offering insights into the cultural and societal impacts of the separation. Through the lens of fiction, the book highlights the unique challenges and narratives that emerged in East Germany during this tumultuous period.
Few who served as fighting soldiers in any war had more than a little understanding of the purposes of the conflict. This was particularly so in 1950 when all young men, at 18, had to serve two years' National Service. For some, a few weeks training and then the remaining time spent doing routine tasks and back home every weekend. For others, a different experience. This unique account is of how one tenderly reared young man, who had never been in a pub and only rarely in a car, survived and made sense of his roller-coaster experience. From the start, the experience was brutal. Almost the first bellowed words were to make sure they knew they now 'belonged to the king' and had no rights at all - if 'they' decreed, there would be no time off or leave given, for soldiers were no more than malleable junk in the nation's great scheme. The initial interminable marching drill was, at least, understandable in making them disciplined to obey all and any order without question and immediately. But what purpose did other training, assessments or appointments actually serve? A few years later, he learned that had he been 'savvy', he need never have spent these two years as he did, thus raising the question whether it was a complete waste of time. It certainly didn't 'make a man of him', but in hindsight, he would not have missed the experiences for anything.
This volume identifies twelve major poems in the history of German literature and places them firmly in their literary historical context. These ‘landmarks’ are in three either they are simply great achievements; or they represent turning points, after which poets had to address their genre in different ways; or they are works which embody the major characteristics of a particular period. Although not conceived as such, the volume may be seen to provide an outline history of German poetry from the Middle Ages to post-1945. The contributors, drawn from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, are all specialists in the particular field they address.
Stefan Heym's uncompromising stance made him unpopular with a succession of political regimes. The Nazis, the CIA and the East German secret police all held files on him. He was Hitler's youngest literary exile; McCarthyism was to drive him from the USA; and even in what appeared his natural home - the first socialist state on German soil - he was to become the country's leading dissident. By continuing to compose in both English and German, however, he maintained an international reputation, and has been translated into over twenty languages. This study traces Heym's career principally by reference to his novels, journalism, and political essays, from his earliest works. All his novels are analysed, the major ones in depth, and English translations of all German quotations are provided. Peter Hutchinson focuses particularly on Heym's battles against Stalinism and censorship, and the way in which his courageous defiance of a repressive regime inspired others and paved the way for the 'new' eastern literature of the eighties.