German Division as Shared Experience: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Postwar Everyday

German Division as Shared Experience explores how interconnections and fractures between East and West Germany after 1945 were experienced, lived, and felt, using perspectives from history, literary and cultural studies, anthropology, and art history. It suggests new understandings of the place of narrative, form, and lived sensibility in shaping Germans' shared and separate experiences of belonging during forty years of division.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

German Division as Shared Experience delves into the complex tapestry of everyday life across the two Germanies, spanning nearly three decades since the historic reunification. Despite the passage of time, there remains a limited comprehension of the intricate ways in which experiences overlapped and diverged along the East-West divide.

In order to unravel these complexities, German Division as Shared Experience employs a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing upon perspectives from history, literary and cultural studies, anthropology, and art history. By examining the lived experiences of individuals and communities on both sides of the divide, the volume seeks to shed light on the nuanced ways in which interconnections and fractures shaped the post-1945 landscape in Germany.

Through its innovative methodology, the book offers fresh insights into the role of narrative, form, and lived sensibility in shaping the shared and separate experiences of belonging among Germans during the forty years of division from 1945 to 1990. By exploring the intersections between personal stories, cultural expressions, and societal dynamics, German Division as Shared Experience contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the nation's identity during this pivotal period.

This comprehensive study is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the enduring legacies of the German division and the ongoing quest for reconciliation and unity in Europe. By examining the shared experiences and divergent paths taken by individuals and communities, German Division as Shared Experience provides a rich tapestry of insights that challenge traditional narratives and encourage a more nuanced understanding of the past and present.

ISBN-13: 9781805391197