Year of the Dog Month (The Trilogies of Danzig Part Three)

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, 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 once, while on a mission, he brutally betrayed his former friend. Later, due to his failure to receive further promotion, 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 searching for his former enemies to take revenge on them. He seduced their wives and daughters, but ultimately, things did not go as planned, and he ended up in a disreputable situation. The novel vividly portrays the stories of the three main characters—Amzel, Tula, and Yanni.