Walter Flex (1887–1917)

My grandmother gave this book to me, recommending it as a classic read from her childhood. Now, grandma grew up in Germany of the 1930s and 40s. Flex's book is a representation of the part of German "culture" that lead to two world wars and several genocides. It's still a favorite among German nationalists today, a bittersweet novella of a young soldier who eagerly devotes his whole existence to Germany's war effort. A mix of prose and poetry completes the kitschy configuration of the story. Everything is shrouded in euphemisms and idealised. If I remember correctly, Flex's narrative is one of straight German militarism and nationalism, he hardly ever mentions the emperor, if at all. Maybe the lack of monarchism was another aspect that made this book relatable for the nazi regime in later years. It is definately a work of propaganda that shoves its agenda straight into the reader's face.… (mais)