The Legacy of Ruth Kluger and the End of the Auschwitz Century

Ruth Klüger (1931-2020) was a Holocaust survivor who taught at American universities and was a poet, essayist, and feminist critic. This volume honors her memory by assessing critically her writings and career, including contributions in fields and from perspectives her writings helped to bring into focus.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

Ruth Klüger, a remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on the world of literature and academia, passed away on October 5, 2020, in the United States. Born in Vienna and deported to Theresienstadt, she endured Auschwitz and the Shoah alongside her mother, emerging as a survivor with unwavering resilience. After a brief period of living in Germany following the war, she immigrated to New York, where she pursued her education. Ruth received degrees in English literature and a Ph.D. in German literature from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Her teaching career took her to various American universities, where she imparted her knowledge and inspired generations of students. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ruth was a prolific writer and scholar. Her research primarily focused on German and Austrian literary history, resulting in numerous scholarly publications that have contributed significantly to the field. She was also recognized as a poet in her own right, an essayist, and a feminist critic. Ruth's journey took her back to Europe, where she served as a guest professor in Göttingen and Vienna. Her memoir, titled "weiter leben" (1992), which she translated and revised in an English parallel-text as "Still Alive," became a major bestseller and garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant and autobiographical account of a Holocaust survivor. The book was subsequently translated into more than a dozen languages and sparked a vigorous critical discussion. Ruth Klüger's literary achievements were recognized with numerous prestigious literary prizes and other distinctions. The present volume, "The Legacy of Ruth Klüger and the End of the Auschwitz Century," serves as a tribute to her memory by critically examining her writings and career. Drawing from her biography and works, the volume encompasses contributions from diverse fields and perspectives that her writings helped to highlight and shed light upon. The table of contents provides an overview of the various contributions included in the volume:

Sander L. Gilman explores the theme of poetry and naming in Ruth Klüger's works and life, delving into the profound impact of language and imagery on her artistic expression. Heinrich Detering examines the stylistic principle in Ruth Klüger's writing, highlighting her unique approach to language and its role in creating tension and suspense. Stephan Braese examines the intersection of Ruth Klüger's writing and the concept of "Restitut," exploring how she used language to address the legacy of the Holocaust and the process of reconciliation.

These contributions, by scholars and experts in the field, provide a comprehensive examination of Ruth Klüger's life and work, shedding light on her literary achievements, intellectual contributions, and enduring legacy. Ruth Klüger's story is a testament to the human spirit.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110629699