Stella

Würger, Takis

£8.99

In 1942, Fritz, an even-tempered and unworldly young man, arrives in Berlin from bucolic Switzerland, seeking refuge from his alcoholic mother and dreaming of becoming a brilliant artist. At a free figure drawing class at the Feige and Strassburger art school, he is hypnotized by the beautiful model, Kristin, who becomes his guide to the bustling and cosmopolitan city, escorting him to secret jazz clubs where they drink cognac, dance, and kiss. As Fritz falls in love with the energetic and enigmatic Kristin, the war feels far away, but the Nazis are increasingly taking control over the intimate lives of German residents, the Gestapo arresting and killing anyone who shows opposition to their ideology.

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Publish Date: 06/01/2022

Description

In 1942, Friedrich, an even-keeled but unworldly young man, arrives in Berlin from bucolic Switzerland with dreams of becoming an artist. At a life drawing class, he is hypnotized by the beautiful model, Kristin, who soon becomes his energetic yet enigmatic guide to the bustling and cosmopolitan city, escorting him to underground jazz clubs where they drink cognac, dance and kiss. The war feels far away to Friedrich, who falls in love with Kristin as they spend time together in his rooms at the Grand Hotel, but as the months pass, the mood in the city darkens as the Nazis tighten their hold on Berlin, terrorizing any who are deemed foes of the Reich.One day, Kristin comes back to Friedrich’s rooms in tears, battered and bruised. She tells him that her real name is Stella, and that she is Jewish, passing for Aryan. More disturbing still, she has troubling connections with the Gestapo that Friedrich does not fully understand. As Friedrich confronts Stella’s unimaginable choices, he finds himself woefully unprepared for the history he is living through. Based in part on a real historical character, Stella sets a tortured love story against the backdrop of wartime Berlin, and powerfully explores questions of naivet�, young love, betrayal, and the horrors of history.

Additional information

Weight 183 g
Dimensions 198 × 129 × 15 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

208

Language

English

Edition

1st paperback ed

Dewey

833.92 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K