Postwendekinder: Three East German Authors Tackle DDR Trauma
In March 2024, Alma Jahn, Angelique Pershon, and Marlene Mähler presented their anthology 'Postwendekinder – für eine solidarische und gleichberechtigte deutsch-deutsche Zukunft' at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum in Leipzig. Born after German reunification, the three authors explore the lingering traumas of the former East Germany (DDR) from the perspective of the 'Postwendekinder' generation. The reading, held in a fully packed hall, included emotional moments with tears. During the Q&A, older attendees questioned the absence of male contributors and how the publisher came to work with the 'three young ladies'. A millennial audience member raised concerns about the completeness of perspectives, asking whether migrant and working-class children were represented. The authors are currently on a reading tour across East Germany.
Key facts
- Alma Jahn, Angelique Pershon, and Marlene Mähler are the authors of 'Postwendekinder'.
- The anthology was presented at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum in Leipzig in March 2024.
- The authors were born after German reunification and are known as 'Postwendekinder'.
- The book addresses DDR trauma from a post-reunification perspective.
- The reading was fully attended and included emotional reactions.
- During Q&A, questions were raised about male involvement and the publisher's choice.
- A millennial audience member asked about migrant and working-class perspectives.
- The authors are touring East Germany with their book.
Entities
Artists
- Alma Jahn
- Angelique Pershon
- Marlene Mähler
Institutions
- Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig
Locations
- Leipzig
- Germany
- East Germany