Freya on the Wall - Hardcover

Degens, T.

2.78

9 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152002103 ISBN 13: 9780152002107

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 1997

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This profoundly moving and imaginative novel takes readers on an intricate journey ending in the fall of the Berlin Wall. The book s non-linear format, heavy use of symbolism and dissection of complex philosophical concepts demands a certain sophistication from readers; those well-versed in the events of 20th-century Germany will most greatly appreciate this intricate, thought-provoking investigation of personal and political history. -Publishers Weekly

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About the Author:

T. Degens is the author of many novels: "Freda on the Wall", "The Game on Thatcher Island ", "On the Third Ward ", "The Visit: A Novel ", and "Transport 7-41-R ".

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6-9. Toward the end of World War II, the Koenig family is evacuated from East Prussia along with the rest of the villagers to flee the advancing Russian army; in the midst of the chaos, three sisters are separated. One ends up in the U.S. and one in West Germany, while the third remains behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany. In 1989, after the Wall comes down, two of the sisters' 14-year-old granddaughters meet. Irene, from America, learns Freya's story of growing up in East Germany. Tales are related about school, the secret police, food shortages, German-Soviet friendship, and the drabness of everyday life (blatantly exposed through gifts and letters from relatives abroad). Most of all, Freya relates her obsession with chaos theory and its effect on human affairs, particularly the Koenig sisters' 1945 trek, which she acts out in infinite variations. This novel is an absorbing, creative look at life behind the Iron Curtain. Freya is an intriguing character, as are her feisty grandmother, her loyal friend Winno, and her overburdened mother. Degens's writing is fluid and descriptive, and the symbolism is nicely handled without being overdone. The book's major drawback is Irene's first-person narration, which begins each chapter (Freya's account is related in third person). Though it conveys some essential information, it is annoying and sounds forced and false. Elizabeth Lutzeier's The Wall (Holiday, 1992) is a gripping, action-oriented novel about East Berlin teenagers during the same period, for slightly older readers.?Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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