Year of the Dog Month: The Butze Trilogy Part Three

Author: (German) Grass (Grass/G.) / Chao Chengjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This is the third part of The Danzig Trilogy, depicting the story of the protagonist's fall from a Communist to a Nazi, and his subsequent efforts to retaliate against Nazis. It reflects the twisted side of human nature during Germany's "dog years." The miller's son Matten and the Jewish half-breed Amzel were close friends since childhood. Matten was strong and righteous, while Amzel was intelligent and talented in art. They were inseparable, caring for each other, and enviable. However, after Hitler came to power, Matten transformed into a Nazi, and their friendship naturally faded away. During the heyday of fascism, Matten even became the leader of the SA, and during an operation, he brutally betrayed his former friend. Later, due to his failure to receive further promotions, he left the SA. He reflected on his evil deeds, and the torment of disappointment, regret, and guilt began to haunt him, as his extinguished humanity started to resurface. He had no choice but to join the army but was soon captured by the British. After the fascists surrendered, he returned to Germany from the camp and began to seek out his former enemies to exact revenge. He seduced their wives and daughters, but ultimately, things did not go as planned, and he ended up in a disgraceful situation. The novel also vividly portrays the stories of the three main characters—Amzel, Tula, and Yanni.