best contemporary german novels

Well, 'The Flounder' by Günter Grass is a classic of contemporary German literature. It's a complex and richly - detailed story that combines history, mythology, and the relationships between men and women. 'Stasiland' by Anna Funder is another great read. It explores the legacy of the East German secret police, the Stasi. And then there's 'The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum' by Heinrich Böll, which is a powerful critique of the media and its impact on individuals.

You can start by checking out local libraries. They usually have a section dedicated to German literature where you can find contemporary works. Also, ask librarians for recommendations as they are often well - informed. Another way is to look at online bookstores like Amazon or Book Depository. They have customer reviews and ratings which can help you identify the best ones.

Contemporary German short stories are quite diverse. Some are set in urban areas, depicting the hustle and bustle of city life, like Berlin or Munich. The characters in these stories can be from all walks of life, from young artists struggling to make a name for themselves to businesspeople dealing with the pressures of the corporate world. These stories can also be a great way to learn about German idioms and contemporary language use, as they often use up - to - date expressions.

One characteristic is their exploration of modern German identity. With Germany being a multicultural society now, these stories often deal with how different cultures interact and coexist within the country. Another is the use of vivid and detailed descriptions of the German landscape and urban settings. They also tend to have complex characters with internal conflicts.

Some of the well - known contemporary novels could include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another might be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee which deals with racial injustice. And '1984' by George Orwell, which warns about totalitarianism and the loss of privacy.

One of the best German postwar novels is 'The Tin Drum' by Günter Grass. It's a complex and powerful work that uses magical realism to explore the German experience during and after the war.

A top German crime novel is 'Tatort Berlin' which offers a gritty look at crime in Berlin. It has interesting detective characters who have to navigate the complex cityscape and its underworld. The stories are often based on real - life issues in the city, making it very relatable.

A great German WW2 novel is 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. It shows the brutal reality of war for the common German soldier. It was very influential as it countered the glorified view of war often presented at that time. 'The Man Without Qualities' by Robert Musil, while not strictly a WW2 novel as it was written before the war, it provides important insights into the pre - war Austrian - German society which was a breeding ground for the events of WW2. And 'Suite Française' by Irène Némirovsky (although the author was French, it has a lot to say about the German occupation) gives a view of what it was like during the German occupation from the perspective of those under it.

Another great one could be 'The Tin Drum' by Günter Grass. This novel is complex and multi - layered. It uses magical realism to explore the impact of the Nazi era on German society. It follows the life of Oskar Matzerath, a character who refuses to grow up in protest against the adult world filled with war and inhumane acts.

Another great one is 'Faust' by Goethe. This novel delves into themes like the search for knowledge, the human soul's struggle, and the deal with the devil. It's a very profound and influential work that has been widely studied. The characters and the moral and philosophical questions it poses are what make it stand out.