Year of the Dog (Common Era) -- Glass Collection

Author: (German) Grass (Grass, G.) Author, translated by Di Chengjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This is the third part of the "Danzig Trilogy," depicting the story of the protagonist's decline from a Communist to a Nazi, and then his relentless revenge on Nazis. It reflects the twisted 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 and cared for each other, much envied. However, after Hitler came to power, Matten transformed himself and embraced the Nazi party, naturally severing his friendship with Amzel. During the heyday of fascism, Matten even became the leader of the SA, and once, during an operation, he brutally betrayed his former friend. Later, when he was no longer valued, he left the SA. He reflected on his evil deeds, and disappointment, regret, and guilt tormented him as his extinguished humanity began 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 hunt down his former enemies, seeking 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 vividly portrays the stories of the three main characters—Amzel, Tula, and Yanni.