Hans Joachim Schädlich reflects on his life. Known for his concise style, he presents his memoir in fragments – snapshots of encounters with publishers, scholars, historical figures, and fellow writers like Max Frisch, Sarah Kirsch, Stefan Heym, and Günter Grass. His story is also one of places, shaped by travels around the world, often alongside his publisher Ledig Rowohlt. Through his memories, readers journey into the past – into the GDR, which expelled him, and the old Federal Republic, where he became a celebrated author, revisiting German-German literary meetings and pivotal moments in history and literature.
"One of the true greats in contemporary German literature." Die Zeit
"In Hans Joachim Schädlich's prose, the 20th century is decoded."
Süddeutsche Zeitung
