Parallel Text: German Short Stories

This collection features diverse short stories from notable post-war German authors, including Heinrich Böll, offering insights into their historical context.

This collection showcases a diverse array of short stories that reflect the complex themes and emotions of their time. Parallel Text: German Short Stories presents satires, deep explorations of personal obsessions, and innovative experiments in both form and language. These narratives not only entertain but also provoke thought, inviting readers to consider the subtleties of human experience and societal change.

Following a challenging period in pre-war Germany, the short story genre experienced a revitalization in 1945, fueled in part by the Allies who introduced fresh perspectives. The stories included in Parallel Text: German Short Stories perfectly encapsulate the prevailing sentiments of irony, objectivity, and skepticism towards didacticism that characterized the post-war era. This collection stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of writers during a tumultuous time.

With the original German text presented alongside English translations, this anthology features works from eight distinguished post-war authors, including Heinrich Böll, Ilse Aichinger, and Reinhard Lettau. Students and literature enthusiasts alike will find these stories both educational and deeply engaging. Böll’s poignant opening story, 'Pale Anna,' portrays a soldier's return home, mirroring the writer's struggle in the early days of peace, where painful memories overshadow the present. This narrative sets the stage for a rich tapestry of tales that capture the essence of their era.