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 Tin Drum

   

   The novel tells the story of Oskar Matzerath, a boy who decides on his third birthday that he will stop growing and remain a three-year-old forever. Oskar is gifted with a tin drum by his mother, which he uses to express his emotions and thoughts. Living in Danzig during the rise of Nazi Germany, Oskar's refusal to grow is a form of protest against the adult world. The book is a blend of magical realism and historical fiction, providing a unique perspective on the horrors of World War II and the post-war era in Germany.

   The 91st Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Cat and Mouse

   

   "Cat and Mouse" is a novel that centers around a group of boys living in Danzig during World War II. The story is narrated by one of the boys, who recounts the life of his friend, whom they call "the great Mahlke", a boy with a large Adam's apple. Mahlke's attempts to prove himself a hero despite his physical oddity, his obsession with a sunken ship, and his eventual expulsion from school and enlistment in the war form the heart of the narrative. The novel explores themes of identity, guilt, memory, and the devastating impact of war on the individual and society.

   The 925th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Dog Years

   

   "Dog Years" is a novel set in Germany during the rise and fall of the Nazi regime and the aftermath of World War II. The story is told from the perspectives of three friends: Walter Matern, a fervent Nazi supporter; Eduard Amsel, a Jewish artist who creates scarecrows; and Harry Liebenau, who narrates their stories. The novel explores the complexities of friendship and identity amidst the backdrop of war, guilt, and redemption. It also delves into the psychological impact of the Holocaust on German society and the struggle to come to terms with its horrific past.

   The 2788th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Flounder

   

   The book is a rich tapestry of historical fiction and magical realism, weaving together the lives of a talking fish, a series of women cooks, and the men in their lives over several centuries. It explores themes of feminism, power, and the evolution of culinary arts, with the titular flounder serving as a guide and witness to the unfolding human drama. The narrative spans from the Stone Age to the modern era, reflecting on the changing roles and relationships between men and women, as well as the impact of these dynamics on culture and society. The novel is a blend of myth, satire, and allegory, presenting a unique perspective on the history of humanity through the lens of food and gender politics.

   The 3153rd Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Meeting At Telgte

   

   Set in the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War, the novel brings together a group of German poets and intellectuals who convene in the small town of Telgte to discuss the future of literature and culture in their war-torn country. Through their debates and interactions, the story explores themes of artistic responsibility, the power of language, and the role of writers in shaping society. The gathering serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural and political challenges facing Europe, highlighting the tension between tradition and innovation in a time of crisis.

   The 3428th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Crabwalk

   

   This novel delves into the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German ship, during World War II, through the eyes of a journalist investigating the event's historical and personal ramifications. The narrative weaves together past and present, exploring the intergenerational impact of the catastrophe on survivors and their descendants. The author employs a unique storytelling technique, the "crabwalk," moving backward and forward in time to reveal the complexities of guilt, memory, and the reinterpretation of history. Through its intricate plot and deep character exploration, the book addresses the themes of nationalism, the repercussions of war, and the struggle to come to terms with one's heritage.

   The 4385th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Peeling the Onion

   

   "Peeling the Onion" is a memoir that explores the author's experiences during and after World War II. The author, a Nobel laureate, reveals his involvement with the Waffen SS, a paramilitary organization of the Nazi party, when he was a teenager. The book delves into the author's struggle with guilt and memory, his journey to becoming a writer, and his exploration of how personal and collective memory impact our understanding of history. It is a candid, introspective look at the complexities of identity, morality, and truth.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Local Anesthetic

   

   The novel explores the themes of political apathy and social responsibility through the story of Eberhard Starusch, a high school teacher in West Berlin during the 1960s. As he undergoes dental treatment, Starusch reflects on his life and the state of society, engaging in conversations with his dentist that reveal his inner conflicts and disillusionment with the political climate. The narrative intertwines his personal experiences with broader historical events, highlighting the tension between individual complacency and the need for active engagement in societal change. Through a blend of satire and introspection, the story examines the complexities of moral and ethical decision-making in a rapidly changing world.

9. 9. My Century

   

   This literary work is a captivating tapestry of the 20th century, intricately woven through a series of 100 vignettes, each representing a year from 1900 to 1999. Through a diverse array of voices and perspectives, it captures the essence of a century marked by profound change, turmoil, and innovation. The narrative traverses significant historical events, cultural shifts, and personal stories, offering a multifaceted view of the human experience. With a blend of humor, irony, and poignant reflection, the book invites readers to explore the complexities and contradictions of a century that shaped the modern world.

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10. 10. The Danzig Trilogy

    

    Set against the backdrop of the Free City of Danzig, this trilogy intricately weaves together the lives of its eccentric characters, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the tumultuous history of 20th-century Europe. Through a blend of magical realism and historical narrative, the story delves into the complexities of human nature, capturing the absurdities and tragedies of life in a city caught between shifting political tides. The narrative is rich with symbolism and dark humor, offering a profound reflection on the impact of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

11. 11. Das Treffen In Telgte

    

    Set in the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War, this narrative imagines a fictional gathering of German poets and intellectuals in the town of Telgte. The story unfolds as these literary figures, representing various styles and philosophies, come together to discuss the future of German literature and culture amidst the ruins of war. Through their dialogues and interactions, the novel explores themes of artistic expression, cultural identity, and the power of words to transcend the chaos of their time, offering a poignant reflection on the resilience of creativity in the face of adversity.

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12. 12. Die Rättin

    

    Set in a dystopian future, this novel explores the themes of environmental degradation and societal collapse through the eyes of a female rat, who becomes the narrator of the story. As she observes the remnants of human civilization, she reflects on the destructive tendencies of mankind and the consequences of their actions on the planet. The narrative weaves together elements of myth, history, and prophecy, presenting a bleak yet thought-provoking commentary on humanity's impact on the world and the potential for renewal and change.

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13. 13. Die Plebejer Proben Den Aufstand

    Ein deutsches Trauerspiel

    

    Set against the backdrop of the 1953 East German uprising, this play explores the complex dynamics between intellectuals and the working class. It delves into the moral dilemmas faced by artists and thinkers when confronted with political upheaval, examining their roles and responsibilities in times of social unrest. Through a fictionalized portrayal of a theater troupe rehearsing a play about revolution, the narrative highlights the tension between artistic expression and political action, ultimately questioning the effectiveness and sincerity of intellectual solidarity with the oppressed.

14. 14. Ein Weites Feld

    

    Set in the wake of German reunification, the novel follows an aging narrator who wanders through a transformed social landscape, blending personal memory, family history, and biting political satire to confront the moral ambiguities and cultural dislocations of a nation in flux. Through a mix of dark humor, lyrical digression and pointed social critique, it examines identity, guilt, and the uneasy reconciliation of competing pasts while tracing how ordinary lives are reshaped by sweeping historical change.

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15. 15. The Call Of The Toad

    

    An older German couple rekindles their romance while returning to the man’s native port city amid the political tumult following the collapse of communism; as they navigate civic upheaval and personal rivalries they are forced to confront buried wartime crimes, shifting national identities, and secrets from their own pasts. The novel mixes dark satire, fantastical touches (anchored by a recurring amphibian motif), and poignant domestic observation to examine guilt, memory, and the uneasy work of reconciliation between peoples and within a fractured marriage.

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16. 16. Headbirths

    

    A compact collection of short, often satirical and allegorical pieces that mix prose, poetry, and visual play to probe postwar German society, memory, and moral responsibility; employing dark humor, surreal imagery, and grotesque invention, the works interrogate identity, historical guilt, and the role of the artist while skewering political and cultural pretensions.

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17. 17. Жестяной барабан

    

    Рассказ ведёт Оскар Мацерат — мальчик, который в три года сознательно остановил рост и всю жизнь сохраняет детское тело, отбивая ритм на своём маленьком металлическом барабане и обладая пронзительным криком; через его саркастичный, гротескный и часто ненадёжный рассказ показаны жизнь в Германии между двумя мировыми войнами, подъём нацизма, абсурд и насилие повседневности, смешение реальности и фантазии и личный протест против морального банкротства общества.

18. 18. Katt Och Råtta

    

    A former schoolmate-narrator recalls the story of Joachim Mahlke, an awkward but magnetic boy in wartime Danzig marked by an unusually large Adam’s apple; Mahlke wins brief admiration for diving to recover a heavy naval anchor, then becomes increasingly isolated as jealousy, childish cruelties and the pressures of military training close in, culminating in his disappearance and probable death in the harbor. The narrator confronts his own complicity and the moral cowardice of their generation, turning a coming-of-age tale into a haunting meditation on guilt, masculinity and the corrosive effects of war.