Little Man, What Now?

Hans Fallada

ISBN 10: 0241300878 / ISBN 13: 9780241300879

Published by Penguin Book, 2019

Leichte Kratzer / Abnutzungen / Druckstellen; Vergilbt / ausgeblichen. From the bestselling author of Alone in Berlin, this acclaimed novel follows a young couple navigating life in 1930s Germany. Lämmchen and 'Boy' fall in love, marry, and start a family in Berlin in 1932, but their lives are overshadowed by the changing political landscape. As they struggle with bullying bosses, unpaid bills, monstrous mothers-in-law, and Nazi streetfighters, they question whether love can sustain them. This work, which established Hans Fallada as a significant writer, portrays one of literature's most touching couples, blending comedy with desperation. Published just before Hitler's rise to power, it hauntingly depicts innocents on the brink of losing everything. Michael Hofmann's brilliant new translation captures the era's austerity and turmoil in Weimar Germany. Critics have praised Fallada's genius, noting the emotional depth and variety in characterization. The narrative resonates with both despair and hope, reflecting the complexities of life during a pivotal moment in history. This novel remains a powerful exploration of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Seller Inventory # dfe55497-e4e2-48fb-a118-5a1663111f1f

Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of Alone in Berlin, his acclaimed novel of a young couple trying to survive life in 1930s Germany

''Nothing so confronts a woman with the deathly futility of her existence as darning socks''

A young couple fall in love, get married and start a family, like countless young couples before them. But Lämmchen and ''Boy'' live in Berlin in 1932, and everything is changing. As they desperately try to make ends meet amid bullying bosses, unpaid bills, monstrous mothers-in-law and Nazi streetfighters, will love be enough?

The novel that made Hans Fallada''s name as a writer, Little Man, What Now? tells the story of one of European literature''s most touching couples and is filled with an extraordinary mixture of comedy and desperation. It was published just before Hitler came to power and remains a haunting portrayal of innocents whose world is about to be swept away forever. This brilliant new translation by Michael Hofmann brings to life an entire era of austerity and turmoil in Weimar Germany.

''An inspired work of a great writer ... Fallada is a genius. The "Little Man" is Mr Everybody'' Beryl Bainbridge

''There are chapters which pluck the nerves...there are chapters which raise the spirits like a fine day in the country. The truth and variety of the characterization is superb...it recognizes that the world is not to be altered with moral fables'' Graham Greene

''Fallada deserves high praise for having reported so realistically, so truthfully, with such closeness to life'' Herman Hesse

''Fallada at his best'' Philip Hensher

''Performs the most astounding task, of taking us to a moment before history'' Los Angeles Review of Books

Bibliographic Details

Title: Little Man, What Now?
Publisher: Penguin Book
Publication Date: 2019
Binding: Softcover
Condition: Fine