Summer Passion”: Monika Willrich’s haunting look at post-war children

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Monika Willrich's novel “Summer Passion” deals with Tina's youth in Bremen. Reading on October 16th in the Sattler bookstore, free entry.

Monika Willrichs Roman „Sommerpassion“ behandelt Tinas Jugend in Bremen. Lesung am 16. Oktober in Buchhandlung Sattler, Eintritt frei.
Monika Willrich's novel “Summer Passion” deals with Tina's youth in Bremen. Reading on October 16th in the Sattler bookstore, free entry.

Summer Passion”: Monika Willrich’s haunting look at post-war children

An exciting literary event is just around the corner: on October 16th, the reading of Monika Willrich's latest novel "Summer Passion" will take place in the Sattler bookstore in Bremen. Admission is free and the audience can look forward to a captivating journey into the youth of Bremen in 1969, which is characterized by dance nights and family challenges. Weser courier reports that the story revolves around 17-year-old Tina, who meets the young economics student Alex on a rainy evening. However, this encounter also brings with it tension because Alex hits Tina, which puts their relationship to a tough test.

Tina's background is anything but simple: her parents are struggling with economic worries, and the impending construction of a discount store is causing additional stress in the family. In addition to the family problems, the life of the post-war generation comes to life in the descriptions of Willrich, who herself was born in 1954 in the west of Bremen. Her childhood was also marked by the aftermath of the war, which is reflected in her work. Spot brakes highlights that autobiographical elements are heavily incorporated into the narrative, from school days to the relationship with parents.

The themes of “Summer Passion”

The focus is on self-assertion and strength - themes inspired by the tragic story of a murdered student. Tina's close contact with her parents, who also share fears and worries in everyday life, give the book an authentic depth. Willrich also quotes authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Franz Kafka in her novel, which offers the reader additional food for thought. The school passages are not only shaped by her own teaching experience, but also show the challenges of puberty and the trauma of the consequences of war.

The author, who defied her father's wishes to become a tax officer, is now a teacher and enjoys telling thought-provoking stories. With “Summer Passion” she has created a work that not only reflects the youth of the 1960s, but also deals with timeless questions of identity and growing up. The book was published by Kellner Verlag and costs 17 euros.

Anyone interested in a captivating narrative and a look at the post-war period should mark October 16th in their calendar. It's worth diving into Tina's world and her challenges while experiencing the lively charm of Bremen.

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