Once in Berlin, simply

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Once in Berlin, simple is a contemporary historical novel by Sabine Brandt from 1991.

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The novel describes the life of Rose Markwart, who was born out of wedlock and granddaughter of a farmer in West Prussia in the late 19th century and moved to Berlin to work as a nurse. By marrying a physicist and entrepreneur's son, Rose climbs up in society, but the two world wars, the economic crises and National Socialism endanger her pursuit of personal happiness and prosperity. At the end of the novel, her son Harald, who went to war, is believed to have been lost.

Literary and historical importance

The novel has the character of a city novel. The author describes the life and characters of the people involved in a detailed and precise manner. The description of the locations of the action in Berlin is extremely recognizable. Many of the events described in the novel have the character of historical documentaries beyond their literary component. In addition to the personal fates of the main actors, aspects such as the history of cinema and technology, anti-Semitism and the history of the city are dealt with using concrete and historically tangible examples. At the center of the action is the house at Hindenburgdamm 128 in Berlin-Lichterfelde, on the bel étage of which the Markwarts live. In addition, the surrounding public spaces such as the summer pool in Lichterfelde , the guard barracks (Berlin-Lichterfelde) , the schools, public facilities and other houses and properties become scenes of the complex storylines. The war's destruction and the occupation of Berlin are also documented using historically verifiable examples from the immediate vicinity.

The story itself is essentially the biography of the author's mother, albeit artistically altered. The author takes herself out of the story. It becomes clear that the experiences in youth always follow the main character like a shadow. Even in marriage, where objectively she experiences an ideal and safe family life, she is not really happy. Contrary to reality, she constantly sees dangers or a lack of love. She cannot believe in the love of her family and tries to force this love through pressure, including threats of suicide. She does not see that this creates the distance to her that she thinks must be eliminated. An irresolvable dilemma.

literature

  • Sabine Brandt: Once in Berlin, simply. Novel 1991.
  • Tillmann Heisterhagen / Rainer W. Hoffmann: teacher of the currency crisis. Three generations of families between Gold, Mark and Euro 2003
  • Sylvia Grabe: About dealing with money. Household and Family Financial Management 1998.