Oliwia Hälterlein's Debut Novel 'Wir Töchter' Fictionalizes Family History
Oliwia Hälterlein's debut novel 'Wir Töchter' fictionalizes her own family history, tracing a matrilineal line from Poland during World War II to contemporary Germany. The story begins with narrator Waleria undergoing an ovary removal, which triggers reflections on her relationship with her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The narrative travels through time, exploring the lives of grandmother Marianna, controlled by male relatives; mother Róża, who moved from a village to Gdańsk and then to Germany; and Waleria herself, who looked forward to summer holidays with Marianna. Hälterlein's work is noted for its radical feminist stance and its emphasis on the Polish language, which she places at the center from the first sentence. The novel made the list of best books for June 2026.
Key facts
- Oliwia Hälterlein's debut novel is 'Wir Töchter'.
- The novel fictionalizes the author's own family history.
- The story begins with narrator Waleria having an ovary removed.
- The narrative explores four generations of women.
- Grandmother Marianna's life was determined by father, brother, husband, and mother-in-law.
- Mother Róża moved from a village to Gdańsk, then from Poland to Germany.
- The novel is described as radically feminist and emphasizes the Polish language.
- 'Wir Töchter' made the list of best books for June 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Oliwia Hälterlein
Locations
- Poland
- Gdańsk
- Germany