Heinrich Böll

Heinrich Böll was a German writer and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate. He is one of Germany's foremost post-World War II writers and is known for his works that explore the struggles of ordinary people in the aftermath of the war.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum

    Cover of 'The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum' by Heinrich Böll

    "The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum" is a story about a young woman who becomes the target of a media smear campaign after she falls in love with a man who is suspected of being a political radical. The media's relentless invasion of her privacy and the negative portrayal of her character lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the destructive power of sensationalist journalism. The novel is also a critique of the political climate in Germany during the 1970s.

    The 1117th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Billiards at Half-Past Nine

    Cover of 'Billiards at Half-Past Nine' by Heinrich Böll

    The novel follows the story of the Faehmel family, spanning three generations, in post-war Germany, focusing on the impact of war and the struggle with the country's Nazi past. The narrative centers around Robert Faehmel, an architect who refuses to build anything after World War II, his father, a World War I veteran, and his son, who is trying to make sense of his family's past. The story is told non-linearly, with the characters' memories, dreams, and perceptions revealing the devastating effects of the two World Wars on the family and the country.

    The 1981st Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. The Clown

    Cover of 'The Clown' by Heinrich Böll

    Set in post-World War II Germany, the novel follows the life of a professional clown who is in a personal crisis after being left by his long-term girlfriend. The protagonist, who is unable to find work due to his political views, spends a day reflecting on his life, his broken relationship, and the harsh realities of the society around him. The narrative offers a stark critique of Catholicism and the economic miracle in post-war Germany.

    The 2053rd Greatest Book of All Time

  4. 4. Group Portrait with Lady

    Cover of 'Group Portrait with Lady' by Heinrich Böll

    This novel delves into the life of Leni Pfeiffer, a resilient woman surviving in post-World War II Germany. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, the story unravels Leni's life, her relationships, and the socio-political climate of the time. The narrative is presented as a group portrait, with each chapter focusing on different characters who have been part of Leni's life, highlighting the hardships and resilience of everyday people in the aftermath of war.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time

  5. 5. And where Were You, Adam?

    Cover of 'And where Were You, Adam?' by Heinrich Böll

    This novel is a collection of interconnected short stories set during World War II, providing a vivid portrayal of the human costs of war. The narrative follows various characters including soldiers, civilians, and victims of war, each offering different perspectives on the realities of war. It explores themes of loss, survival, and the moral ambiguities of war, highlighting the author's anti-war sentiments.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time

  6. 6. The Collected Stories of Heinrich Boll

    Cover of 'The Collected Stories of Heinrich Boll' by Heinrich Böll

    This collection of stories provides a comprehensive view of post-World War II Germany and its people through the lens of a renowned author. The narratives, filled with irony, humor, and profound compassion, delve into the lives of ordinary individuals, exploring themes of war, poverty, and moral dilemmas. The author's keen observation and poignant storytelling offer a rich portrayal of human nature and the complexities of society in a changing world.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time