German Crocodile: A literary memoir

Ijoma Mangold's memoir explores his childhood in 1970s Heidelberg and the new Federal Republic, as well as his visits to the USA and Nigeria. His story is linked with his mother, a German from Silesia, and his Nigerian father, who returned before he was old enough to remember him. Mangold explores existential questions about race and class, and the relationship between Germany and its culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: DAS EDITIONS

In this captivating memoir, Ijoma Mangold, renowned as one of Germany's foremost literary critics, delves into his formative years, recounting his experiences growing up in the vibrant city of Heidelberg during the 1970s and the fledgling Federal Republic. His personal narrative intertwines with the story of his mother, a German from the eastern province of Silesia, who, as a refugee, was compelled to escape during the expulsions of 1944 and begin a new life in poverty in West Germany. Mangold's Nigerian father, on the other hand, traveled to Germany to pursue training in pediatric surgery but returned before Ijoma had formed any lasting memories of him. Upon his reappearance, Mangold's world is thrown into a state of upheaval as he grapples with an unfamiliar culture and a complex family history that he had previously been unaware of.

Through this lively narrative, Mangold delves into profound existential questions, exploring the challenges of coping with an absent father, navigating the complexities of growing up biracial in the Federal Republic, and examining the intricate relationship between race and class. He also delves into the unique aspects of German society, questioning whether having dark skin or a profound appreciation for the works of Thomas Mann and Richard Wagner is more unconventional. Mangold shares his journey with raw honesty, revealing the dramatic twists and turns that shaped his life, as well as the unexpected revelations he uncovered about himself along the way.

This memoir is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, as Mangold navigates the complexities of his upbringing and emerges as a strong and insightful individual. It offers a valuable perspective on the experiences of immigrants and their children, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of cultural integration and the search for identity.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 137 x 205 x 202 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838221508