Ludwig's Room

Kurt Weber inherits his great-uncles lakeside house and discovers a hidden stash of photographs, letters, and documents revealing his family's complicity in wartime horrors. The entire village adheres to an old agreement not to expose the many members who had been involved with a nearby prison camp during World War II, creating a burden of guilt for generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

When Kurt Weber inherits his great-uncles lakeside house, he discovers haunting remnants of his family's dark past. The early inhabitants of the house plague his dreams every night. One day, a ghostly woman appears before him, hiding in a room that had been locked throughout his childhood. Inside, Kurt finds a hidden stash of photographs, letters, and documents. As he deciphers them, he gradually unravels the extent of his family's complicity in wartime horrors and the complicity of his neighbors.

As the story progresses, it becomes evident that the entire village upholds an ancient and widely accepted agreement not to expose the numerous members of the community who had been involved with a nearby prison camp during World War II. This knowledge envelops the entire community—those involved and those who know of the involvement—in an inescapable guilt that spans generations.

Translated from the original German by Tess Lewis, Ludwigs Room is a profound tale of love, betrayal, honor, and cowardice, as well as the weight of history and the moral obligations of the present. It explores the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemmas that arise when faced with the consequences of past actions.

Through its vivid characters and intricate plot, Ludwigs Room offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the enduring impact of historical events. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of confronting the darker aspects of our past to move forward in a more compassionate and understanding manner.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 129 x 203 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857428301