Cat and Mouse (Exquisite)--Glass Collection

Author: (German) Grass (Grass, G.) Author, Cai Hongjun, Shi Yanzhi Translated
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book is the second part of "The Danzig Trilogy." Upon its publication in Germany, it sparked a debate about "art and pornography." Some criticized the "sexual misconduct between men and women in the army" depicted in the book, claiming that "the pornographic 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 helps enrich people's artistic appreciation." It is now included in the elective curriculum of German secondary schools.
A physically disabled teenager named Marko is constantly mocked and ridiculed by his classmates, which makes him feel inferior. Yet, he is also a determined individual. 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 a medal from a naval officer returning to school for a presentation and wears it. After the incident, he is expelled from school.
Later, he joins the military and works diligently, earning the admiration of a military officer's wife. Under her seduction, he engages in a relationship with her, but the affair is exposed, and he faces disciplinary action. However, his quick wit helps him discover an enemy underground warehouse in a pond shortly after, for which he is again recognized and rewarded.
Later, he joins the tank corps and destroys numerous Soviet tanks during combat, earning a genuine medal. To restore his reputation, he requests to return to his alma mater to give a "heroic deeds" presentation, but the school principal refuses. With his dream of returning home in glory shattered, he disappears from public view forever.