Hans Fallada (pseudonym of Rudolf Ditzen, 1893–1947) belongs to the ranks of 20th-century European classics. His novels offer an accurate diagnosis of the state of German society at different historical stages.
…The year 1940. German troops triumphantly enter Paris. Ordinary Germans rejoice in unison with the Reich’s leadership, anticipating the imminent defeat of England and the establishment of German world domination. In such an atmosphere, it takes either a hero—or a madman—or someone who has nothing left to lose. After receiving news of the death of his only son, the carpenter Otto Quangel declares war on Nazism. Together with his wife Anna, they write and spread postcards calling for resistance. But their countrymen do not heed the voice of truth—sticky fear paralyzes their will and rots their souls.
Fallada did not invent the story of the Quangels: the postcards were preserved in the archives of the Gestapo. The book was written hot on the heels of the events, in 1947, and was published after the author’s death. Despite substantial censorial edits, the novel became an overwhelming success: it was translated into many languages, served as the basis for four film adaptations and numerous theatrical productions in different countries. More than half a century later, a second edition of the novel appeared—cleansed of the opportunistic edits. “One in Berlin” is this new translation of the complete, restored author’s version.