Cat and Mouse: Glass Collection

Author: (German) Grass (Grass, G.) wrote, translated by Cai Hongjun, Shi Yanzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book is the second part of "The Danzig Trilogy." Upon its publication, it sparked a debate in Germany about "art and pornography." Some criticized the "lewd scenes of men and women in the army" depicted in the book, claiming that "the erotic descriptions are harmful to teenagers" and that it "should be included on the banned books list." However, most opinions held that it "belongs to the realm of art and contributes to enriching people's artistic appreciation." It is now included in the elective curriculum of German secondary schools.
Mark, a middle school student with a physical disability, constantly faces ridicule and mockery from his classmates, which makes him feel inferior. Yet, he is also a determined and ambitious person. To become the "hero" in everyone's eyes, he dedicates himself to rigorous training in gymnastics, swimming, and diving, earning praise from his peers. This inflates his ego to the point where he steals the medal of a naval officer who comes to give a report and wears it on his chest. When the incident is exposed, he is expelled from school.
Afterward, he joins the military, where he works diligently and tirelessly, earning the favor of a colonel's wife. Tempted by her, he engages in a relationship with her, but the affair is later discovered, and he faces disciplinary action. However, his quick wit helps him soon discover an enemy underground warehouse in a pond, and for his bravery, he is once again recognized and decorated. Later, he joins the tank corps and destroys numerous Soviet tanks in battle, earning a genuine medal.
To restore his reputation, he requests to return to his alma mater to give a report on his "heroic deeds," but the school principal refuses him. With his dream of returning home in glory shattered, he disappears from public view forever.