An Ordinary Youth by Walter Kempowski
From the Diaries of a German Boy, 1945-1948
The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that paints a vivid portrait of middle-class family life in Germany during the interwar years and World War II. Through the lens of a young boy growing up in a provincial town, the narrative explores the everyday experiences, joys, and struggles of the Tadellöser and Wolff families. The story captures the innocence of childhood against the backdrop of historical upheaval, as the protagonist observes the changing world around him, including the rise of National Socialism, with a mix of naivety and acute perception. The novel is both a personal coming-of-age tale and a broader commentary on the societal transformations of the era.
The 5809th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1971
- Nationality
- German
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 476
- Original Language
- Unknown
- Avg User Rating
-
(5.0)
- Alternate Titles
-
- All for Nothing
- Todo En Vano
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 94th on Big Read (German) (Germany)
- 100 Books From The Last 100 Years (Der SPIEGEL)