In this extraordinary, prizewinning novel, Monika Maron says farewell to the East Germany where she grew up as the stepchild of an élite communist official not unlike retired Professor Beerenbaum, who hires disaffected writer Rosalind Polkowski to transcribe his memoirs.

Maron's sharp feminist vision, intellectual power and honesty remain essential to understand the Germany of today, where old demons are rising, especially in the East.

"Icy prose." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Maron writes with wit, economy and stylistic assurance." THE VILLAGE VOICE

"One of the best writers of her generation." LE MONDE