Marlen Haushofer

Marlen Haushofer was an Austrian author best known for her novel 'The Wall' ('Die Wand'), a dystopian story about a woman cut off from the rest of the world. Born on April 11, 1920, in Frauenstein, Austria, she wrote several novels and short stories that explore themes of isolation, survival, and the complexities of human relationships. Her work is characterized by a clear, introspective narrative style and often delves into the inner lives of her characters. Despite her significant contribution to German-language literature, she remained relatively unknown until the posthumous recognition of her work. Marlen Haushofer passed away on March 21, 1970.

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 Wall

    The book is a profound exploration of isolation and survival, following a woman who finds herself unexpectedly cut off from the rest of the world by an invisible, impenetrable wall. With the rest of humanity seemingly vanished, she must come to terms with her solitary existence in a remote forested area, accompanied only by a few animals. As she adapts to her new reality, tending to the land and the creatures that become her companions, the narrative delves into themes of self-reliance, the intrinsic connection between humans and nature, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through her introspective journey, the protagonist examines the essence of her being and the meaning of life when stripped of society and its constructs.

    The 1932nd Greatest Book of All Time