Gilgi, one of us

Meer over het boek

This stirring, never-before-translated story follows a young, pregnant secretary navigating a Germany succumbing to the Nazis. Irmgard Keun's debut novel, "Gilgi," became an overnight sensation upon its release, selling thousands of copies and establishing Keun as a household name. The narrative centers on a young woman striving for independence in a society overtaken by fascism, making it both a brave and revolutionary depiction of women's issues while also being an engaging tale of resilience. Gilgi works as a secretary in a hosiery firm, but she has ambitions beyond her current position. She diligently attends language classes, saves money for travel, and skillfully avoids her boss's advances and other romantic entanglements. However, her life takes a turn when she falls in love with Martin, a charming drifter, leading her to leave her job for what she hopes will be domestic happiness. This decision leads to unexpected challenges, including an unplanned pregnancy and moral dilemmas. At the time of its publication, "Gilgi" was groundbreaking in its exploration of themes such as sexual harassment, abortion, and single motherhood, making it a perceptive and beautifully crafted novel about one woman's journey to maturity. This edition marks its first-ever translation into English.