The Turncoat

In The Turncoat, Siegfried Lenz masterfully depicts the internal struggles of a soldier torn between duty and conscience during World War II.

In The Turncoat, Siegfried Lenz explores the haunting experiences of Walter Proska, a German soldier stationed in a remote unit during the final summer of World War II. Tasked with protecting a railway line deep in the forest, Proska and his fellow soldiers grapple with the oppressive heat, relentless mosquitoes, and the absurdity of their orders. As they face abandonment by their own troops, the men become increasingly isolated, confronting their own madness and the specter of death that looms over them.

The arrival of Wanda, a young Polish partisan, serves as a catalyst for Proska's internal conflict. He begins to question the validity of his loyalty to a regime that seems increasingly inhumane. Through his interactions with Wanda, Proska is forced to confront profound moral dilemmas: When conscience and duty collide, which should prevail? Is it possible to act without bearing guilt? The emotional weight of these questions permeates the narrative, making The Turncoat a poignant reflection on the nature of allegiance and the human condition.

Originally written in 1951 and long forgotten due to its controversial themes, The Turncoat was rediscovered posthumously, revealing Lenz's remarkable ability to depict the complexities of postwar German identity. This novel stands as a testament to the struggles of individuals caught in the tides of history, making it a significant addition to Lenz's legacy as one of Germany's major writers.