Ulrich Plenzdorf

Ulrich Plenzdorf was a German author and screenwriter, known for his works that often critiqued East German society. His most famous work is 'The New Sorrows of Young W.', a novel that became a significant piece of East German literature.

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 New Sorrows of Young W.

    The novel is a modern retelling of Goethe's classic, set in East Germany during the 1970s. It follows Edgar Wibeau, a disillusioned young man who rebels against societal norms and the constraints of his environment. Seeking authenticity and meaning, Edgar leaves his home to live in an abandoned summer house, where he immerses himself in literature and introspection. Through a series of letters and reflections, the story explores themes of youthful angst, existential searching, and the clash between individual desires and societal expectations, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion.

    The 2514th Greatest Book of All Time
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