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‘We need the literature of other countries to expand our
horizons and stimulate our ideas. Without it, we are not only
diminished, we are starved’
(The Times, Magnus Linklater 29/06/05)
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Traitor
by Gudrun Pausewang
Age Range: 12+
Gudrun Pausewang’s novel contradicts the popular perception that all Germans
were Nazis, and therefore evil, and that all Germans knew of the atrocities committed in the Fatherland's name. Anna lives in a remote village where the
population is part German, part Czech, the former, in varying degrees, supporting
Nazi ideology, the latter equally varied in the degree of their opposition to Hitler’s
cause.
During the closing months of the Second World War, Anna stumbles upon
a fugitive – a Russian and enemy – in her family’s barn. Though her brother Felix
accepts the Nazi propaganda unquestioningly, Anna cannot, and she sees each
human being for themself, even if they are ‘enemies’. Her dilemma is searingly
portrayed and is painfully obvious to readers: the views of the fervent Nazis in the
village, including her uncle, are pitted against those of her grandmother, whose
religious beliefs cannot allow Hitler to supplant God.
Constantly questioning the individual’s role, the novel’s shocking ending with its dreadful denouncement underlines the futility of war. An incredibly moving book, translated by Rachel Ward, will draw readers into Anna’s agonised decision-making.
(Outside In: Children’s Books in Translation, Milet, 2005)