lou's library

I ought to know far more about German literature than I do, seeing how I am German and studied German literature at university. For some reason, I tend to be drawn to English books much more than German ones, but there are some German novels I do love. If you don’t speak German, do not fear, for they all have been translated into English. So let’s get started, shall we?

Das Parfum by Patrick Süskind (Perfume)

Uff, this book! It’s nothing short of a masterpiece, in my opinion. I promise you it will be unlike any other book you have ever read. But let’s start at the beginning: Perfume is set in France and follows a young man obsessed with smells and scents. He’s on a mission to create the best perfume ever, and let’s just say his method of capturing the essences necessary is…unqiue and very much unhinged. This book is mad and dark, but so captivating and written beautifully. I could not put it down and loved being thrust into this strange world. The protagonist truly isn’t likeable, and yet Patrick Süskind managed to somehow make him convincing and human. Also: THE ENDING. It’s one of the most controversial and yet perfect endings to a book I have ever come across. Perfume was a global bestseller when it was released in 1985 and lots of German school kids have to read it at some point in their academic career, but I do think it worthwhile to come back to this often, as it never loses its appeal. If you’re after a truly unusual book, give Perfume a go. I promise you won’t be sorry!

Der große Sommer by Ewald Arenz (One Grand Summer)

This gorgeous book was gifted to me by my bestie a couple of years ago and I was not prepared for how much I would love it. One Grand Summer tells the story of a close-knit group of teenagers enjoying their summer break. It’s set in 1980s Germany and is about friendship, first love and the emotional turmoil that is being a teenager. Ewald Arenz’ writing is so good it makes you feel like you’re right there with those kids, who are all written with so much care, you truly feel like they are real people. One of the things I liked the most about the book is how the author made sure to portray the complexities of the inner world of young people. Their problems might sometimes seem trivial from an adult’s point of views, but Ewald Arenz makes it clear in his writing that the feelings of teenagers should not be trivialised. I would highly recommend reading Der große Sommer in the summertime, as the vibes are just immaculate.

Rubinrot by Kerstin Gier (Ruby Red)

Oh, Ruby Red, you perfect young adult fantasy novel. There is not a single flaw in this book. I have been saying this since I first read it almost 15 years ago (yikes, how did time pass so quickly?) and I still stand by it. Kerstin Gier is one of Germany’s most popular authors of young adult books and I would be honoured if she let me read her shopping list. She publishes a book and I buy it without so much as reading the synopsis. She has my full trust and Ruby Red is where it all started for me. It’s the first in a trilogy of fantasy time-travel novels, but don’t let the time-travel scare you! It’s whimsical and well thought-through and one of those rare instances in which a trilogy holds up throughout all three books. Rubinrot is perfection because the plot is fast-paced, the characters are some of the best you will ever find in a book and the writing is so funny I am laughing out loud about once every two minutes (The High School Musical hair brush scene is still one of my favourites, if you know you know). The books have also been made into movies, but please, I beg you, under no circumstances should you watch them before you have read the books!! The movies are bad, okay?! Don’t let your first impression of this masterpiece be three disastrous German movies with bad dubbing, please!!

Narziss und Goldmund by Hermann Hesse (Narcissus and Goldmund)

This book was a true surprise for me. I picked up a copy almost at random last summer, because one of my favourite German bands had written a song based on Narcissus and Goldmund (shoutout to Jeremias <3). I had never read a book by Hermann Hesse and he’s one of those classic German authors you should probably get around to reading at some point (particularly if you have studied German literature, ahem). Honestly, I thought it would be a bit of a drag. But then I started reading it on a long train journey and found myself not wanting to put it down again. Narziss und Goldmund is about two young boys living in a monastery in medieval Germany. I know, I know, doesn’t sound exactly riveting. But bare with me here, please. Once they’re both young men, Goldmund decides to leave and pretty much wanders aimlessly around the country, working odd jobs and sleeping with lots of women. Still sounds a bit weird, right? And it totally would be, if Narcissus and Goldmund wasn’t written with so much clarity, humanity and care. It’s really hard to explain, but Hermann Hesse must have been the wisest guy on earth when he wrote this, because my god is this novel full of excellent life advice. Goldmund fucks up about a dozen times and yet we as readers feel for him. The characters in this book are lovable despite and sometimes even because of their flaws. Not often have I read a book as touching as Narziss und Goldmund, it stayed with me long after I had finished it. This is one of those classics truly worth reading.

Im Westen Nichts Neues by Erich Maria Remarque (All Quiet On The Western Front)

I know, I know. You’re probably sick of me babbling on about All Quiet On The Western Front by now. But there’s no way I will ever write a blog post about the best German books and not include this masterpiece. I actually just reread it this week and what can I say? It still holds up, almost a century after its publication. It’s set during the First World War and yes, is absolutely devastating. I hope you enjoy having your heart torn out. Im Westen Nichts Neues has also been turned into a movie multiple times, most recently by Netflix a couple of years ago. They absolutely BUTCHERED the ending, so I wouldn’t recommend watching it. Just read the book and thank me later. The writing is unparalleled and it’s one of the most successful German books ever. AND FOR GOOD REASON. Paul Bäumer, I will hold you in my heart forever ❤

There you have it, the German books you should absolutely read right now!! If you’re not reading them in the original, I have all my fingers crossed for you that the translations are decent, as that plays such a vital role for your reading experience. If you’re looking for more book recommendations, I have a blog post full of underhyped books and also one all about the perfect books to get you out of a reading slump! Have a great day!! ❤