Sebastian Haffner's Rediscovered Novel Becomes German Bestseller

A previously undiscovered novel by the late German journalist and historian Sebastian Haffner has surged to the top of the Spiegel bestseller list, more than nine decades after its completion. Titled "Abschied" or "Parting," the novel was written in the final days of the Weimar Republic and highlights the tumultuous atmosphere of that era. The manuscript was uncovered by Haffner's family, who found it among his belongings following his death in Berlin in 1999 at the age of 91.

Sebastian Haffner, born Raimund Pretzel, is renowned for his insightful analyses of Nazism and the socio-political context that contributed to Adolf Hitler's rise to power. His earlier work, "Germany: Jekyll and Hyde," published in 1940, gained significant attention and was recommended by Winston Churchill to his cabinet as essential reading to understand the Nazi threat.

"Parting" centers around the story of a young lawyer named Raimund, who navigates a romantic relationship with a woman named Teddy during a brief stay in Paris. As they enjoy their time together, there is an underlying sense of impending doom, reflective of the political turbulence in Germany. Critics have described the 181-page novel as a "literary windfall," praising its engaging narrative and emotional depth. Marie Schmidt, a literary critic for the Süddeutsche Zeitung, noted that the work possesses a "shockingly lucid" perspective on the fragility of life during a critical historical moment.

Haffner's son, Oliver Pretzel, an esteemed professor of mathematics, shared that the family hesitated for years about releasing the work, fearing it might overshadow Haffner's legacy as a profound political commentator. However, upon re-evaluation, he found the novel's construction to be ingeniously crafted, prompting its publication.

The release of "Parting" adds to Haffner's posthumous acclaim, as his earlier works, including "History of a German," have also been recognized for their historical significance and clarity. This novel, which reflects personal narratives interwoven with broader historical themes, completes the portrait of Haffner's literary contributions, emphasizing the interplay between private experiences and historical events. An English translation of "Parting" is anticipated to be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, further extending Haffner's reach to a global audience.

As Germany grapples with its historical narrative and the implications of its past, "Parting" serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and emotional dimensions that inform collective memory. The novel's success underscores the enduring relevance of Haffner's insights into the human experience amidst the shadows of history.