Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Author: Doblin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The novel is a classic and widely-known German masterpiece. Upon its publication, it was immediately translated into dozens of languages, including English, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Czech, and Hungarian. It has also been adapted multiple times into radio dramas, films, and television series. Franz had an argument with his wife and accidentally killed her, resulting in a four-year prison sentence. After his release, he resolved to start anew. During the day, he sold newspapers and small goods in Alexanderplatz, while at night, he often spent his time in taverns. One day while selling goods, he met a young widow who warmly welcomed him and even gave him gifts. Franz shared his romantic encounter with a friend who also sold small goods, only to find that the friend went to the widow's house to steal. Franz was furious at his friend's despicable behavior and no longer associated with him. Soon after, he met a man named Reinhold, who appeared gentle and refined but was actually a pimp who forced women into prostitution and the head of a theft ring. He repeatedly asked Franz to introduce the women he had grown tired of to others, but Franz refused each time. Later, this rogue lured Franz with money. Franz was compelled to become an indirect human trafficker. Wanting to escape this, Franz was pushed off a car by Reinhold during a nighttime operation, breaking his arm. After recovering, Franz returned to Alexanderplatz to engage in illegal trade and met a prostitute named Emily. They helped each other and developed a close relationship. Reinhold, upon learning of this, lured Emily into the woods, raped her, and then murdered her. However, Franz became a suspect in the murder and was arrested again. After a trial, he was acquitted and released. Upon his release, he became a factory guard, determined to start a truly new life.