Positives Reviewers praise the book for its author's profound knowledge of German literature and the biographies of its protagonists. The presentation is described as brilliant, passionate, and highly entertaining, making literary history engaging and accessible. Many found it to be a wonderfully instructive and "different" kind of literary history, offering worthwhile insights into the German literary scene from 1945 onwards. The book is lauded for its fresh perspectives, sometimes highlighting lesser-known authors or works, and its ability to inspire readers to discover new writers and titles. Its energetic and personal writing style contributes to an enjoyable experience, covering a broad panorama of writers and their individual fates.
Negatives However, the book also draws criticism for its highly subjective and sometimes judgmental approach. Some reviewers felt that the author categorizes literary work as good or bad based on political convictions, and that the writing style could be disparaging, arrogant, or didactic. The emphasis is often placed more on historical context and anecdotes from authors' lives rather than a deep analysis of their works. Critics also note that the narrative can feel fragmented, reducing authors to mere clichés or superficial anecdotes, and that the author's personal encounters are sometimes overemphasized. Additionally, the exact end date of the literary period covered is inconsistent across reviews, ranging from 2005 to 2010, and the sheer volume of authors mentioned can be overwhelming for some readers.
Conclusion Overall, despite the mixed reception regarding its style and depth, the book is largely considered a successful and stimulating cross-section of German post-war literature. It serves as an excellent and highly readable introduction for those curious about the period, making one eager to explore previously unknown writers. This book would particularly appeal to readers who appreciate a lively, opinionated, and anecdote-rich narrative over a purely academic or exhaustive analysis. It is ideal for general enthusiasts of German literature and anyone looking for an engaging, personality-driven overview of the literary landscape from 1945 onwards.
