Der Tod in Rom

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First published in 1954, this novel is a profound exploration of the angst, anguish, and anger that permeated Germany after WWII. Set in postwar exile in Rome, it follows a clan that stretches the definition of an extended family. The group includes Gottlieb Judejahn, a former high-ranking SS officer; his brother-in-law Friedrich Pfaffrath, also a Nazi official; and their sons, Adolf Judejahn, a Catholic priest, and Siegfried Pfaffrath, a composer of serial music. These four characters embody the key aspects of German achievement and the fractured German soul: murder, bureaucracy, theology, and music. They serve as a foundation for Koeppen's reflections on war, art, religion, and the societal transformations during and after WWII. Although the family members seldom interact, pivotal moments arise, particularly during a concert of Siegfried's work and when both Gottlieb and Adolf pursue a Jewish barmaid named Laura in a gay Roman bar. The rich history of Rome, intertwined with German presence since Alaric the Goth, enhances Koeppen's insights. Gottlieb's pursuit of Laura symbolizes the postwar fate of the Nazis. This striking work positions Koeppen alongside Gunter Grass in analyzing Germany's intellectual landscape and merits renewed attention. Advance buzz suggests it could become a standout in modern German literature.