Wiener Stadtgespräch mit Daniel Kehlmann - #1052

Der Untertan, published in 1918, is a bitter satire that critiques the authoritarian and chauvinistic society of the German Empire during the reign of Kaiser William II. The novel follows the life of Diederich Heßling, who rises to power by conforming to and exploiting the hierarchical structures of his time. Heßling's career spans various institutions, including school, university, the military, and business, where he consistently bows to those in power while treading on those below him. The novel highlights themes of authoritarianism, militarism, and the psychological origins of fascism, making it a prescient critique of the societal conditions that would later lead to Nazi Germany[1][3][5].

In this book, Götz Aly argues that the Nazi regime financed World War II partly by plundering resources from occupied territories and its own allies, which helped in redistributing wealth and buying social acquiescence among the German population. Aly details how Jewish property was confiscated and used to support the war effort, contributing significantly to the Reich's income. He also discusses the social policies implemented by the Nazis, such as strengthening social security provisions, doubling holiday entitlement for workers, and enrolling retirees in national health insurance. The book has generated significant controversy among historians, with some criticizing Aly's methodology and interpretation of the Nazi regime's actions[1][3][4].

This is the German translation of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel 'War and Peace', which follows the lives of several aristocratic Russian families during the Napoleonic Wars. The novel explores themes of love, family, loyalty, and power against the backdrop of historical events.

Daniel Kehlmanns "Lichtspiel" ist ein Roman, der sich mit den Themen Erinnerung, Identität und der Natur der Realität auseinandersetzt. Der Roman erzählt die Geschichte eines Mannes, der sich auf die Suche nach seiner Vergangenheit begibt und dabei immer wieder mit den Grenzen der Erinnerung konfrontiert wird. Die Erzählung ist geprägt von einer melancholischen Stimmung und einer subtilen Ironie. Kehlmann spielt mit der Perspektive und der Interpretation von Ereignissen, wodurch er die Fragilität der Erinnerung und die Unmöglichkeit einer objektiven Wahrheit hervorhebt. Der Roman ist ein komplexes und vielschichtiges Werk, das den Leser zum Nachdenken über die eigene Identität und die Konstruktion der Wirklichkeit anregt.