My Father, the Germans and I: Essays, Lectures, Interviews

Jürek Becker (1937–97) was a Polish-German writer known for his novel Jacob the Liar, which depicted life in the Lódz ghetto during World War II. He also wrote nonfiction, including essays, lectures, and interviews, exploring his interactions with and opinions on twentieth-century Germany. Becker's writings were entertaining, retaining his sense of humor, and addressed topics such as fascism, postwar Germany, racism, and xenophobic violence. The collection reflects his perspective on himself and the world and his effort to bring a unique tone to German relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Jürek Becker, a renowned author from 1937 to 1997, is widely recognized for his novel "Jacob the Liar," which delves into the life of a man who, like Becker, experienced the hardships of living in the Lódz ghetto during the German occupation of Poland in World War II. Beyond his literary prowess, Becker also left a significant mark in the realm of nonfiction, as evidenced by the collection of essays, lectures, and interviews compiled in "My Father, the Germans, and I." These works share a common theme, reflecting Beckers interactions and perspectives on the social, political, and cultural conditions of twentieth-century Germany.

Becker, a man with a diverse background, having lived in both German states and unified Germany, actively engaged in the political discussions of his era. He never aligned himself explicitly with either the political ideology of East Germany or the capitalist market forces of West Germany. Instead, Becker's interests extended to the remnants of fascism in postwar Germany, the decline of Socialism, the issue of racism and xenophobic violence, and many other relevant topics. However, it is noteworthy that his writings, as showcased in this collection, never bore the weight of pedantry; rather, they remained entertaining, retaining the sense of humor that endeared his novels to readers.

"My Father, the Germans, and I" serves as a remarkable testament to Becker's self-perception and his unwavering commitment to contributing his distinctive linguistic style, irony, and balance to German relations. Through these writings, Becker offers a unique perspective on himself and the world, inviting readers to engage with his thoughts and experiences on a profound level.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 128 x 204 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857428240