Martin Walser

Martin Walser, a leading figure in German literature, was involved in the 1960s and 1970s as a prominent socialist in actions against the Vietnam War and German revanchism. He recognised the approach of German reunification at an early stage. Walser has a strong aversion to political correctness. In a controversial article in Der Spiegel he wrote: “Political correctness is as hollow as a confession: you mumble a few formulas and that’s it. In this way you never get to the truth.”

His latest novel Ein liebender Mann tells the story of the 74-year-old Goethe, who in 1823 falls in love with the 19-year-old Ulrike von Levetzow. They flirt, talk and kiss, exactly as Goethe always describes in his books: their kisses are not merely a touch of lips, but above all of two souls.

But then a rival appears: a younger man tries to seduce Ulrike. Goethe takes a leap and proposes to her. However moved she may be, she leaves. Goethe is left with a broken heart and, defeated, writes one of his masterpieces: the Marienbader Elegy.

Walser received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade in 1998.

Walser is interviewed by Prof. Anthonya Visser, Professor of German Language and Literature at Leiden University.

This BorderKitchen is auf Deutsch.