1932, Stuttgart, and young Han Schwarz meets the aristocratic, isolated Konradin von Hohenfels. The two lonely boys begin a friendship that will echo through Hans’ life as he recalls this thrilling time set against the darkest era in Germany’s history.
Fred Uhlman’s novella Reunion is part of the literature about World War 2 but isn’t up there amongst its best.
The story is fairly unremarkable and, when Hans’ Jewish ancestry is brought up, predictable in the turn the story takes, considering this is happening in Hitler’s Germany and events are building up to the breakout of war.
Reunion is well-written and accessible, with a couple of interesting dramatic scenes at the end, as well as that stinger of a final line. But it’s also not that interesting or memorable, either as a story of young friendship or the time it takes place in - definitely not a must-read.
No comments:
Post a Comment