Die Neuen Leiden Des Jungen W

By Ulrich Plenzdorf

Book Overview

A text edition of the bestselling East German novel, divided into 14 short chapters to facilitate use as a language reader in German classes at the intermediate level and above. Contains questions, extensive annotation, a vocabulary list, and the text of an interview with Plenzdorf. An introduction by the editor discusses Plenzdorf's personality and career, the reception and dramatic versions of his book, the novel's structure, the relation of the book to WERTHER and CATCHER IN THE RYE, and the importance of the ''achievement principle'' as a theme in the story.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 047102855X
• ISBN13: 9780471028550
• Release Date: February 1978
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 5.9"

Customer Reviews

Salinger meets Goethe in East Germany

This is a great book--I've never read the English translation and I'm sure it doesn't quite do the original justice (translations rarely do), but if you're a fan of The Catcher in the Rye or of Goethe (less likely :), then this is a MUST read. Basically, its the story of a teenager who is in love with an engaged girl (Charlie/Charlotte) in 1970s East Germany, who rebels against conformity, moves to Berlin alone and goes nuts. The work uses Salingeresque language and narration (or at least the German equivalent) full of heartache and melancholy. While you learn in the opening pages that Edgar (the protagonist) doesn't make it out alive, its a great trip to find out the how and the why of it. German literature doesn't get much better than this one.

One of my all time favorites

I had to read this book in a German Lit course in college about 10 years ago. I loved it. It is a must read for any fan of "Catcher in the Rye." I loaned it to all my friends, unfortunately, somewhere along the line I never got it back. I have been looking for the book for about 4 years now... that is how great of a story it is. Glad to see it finally available here...