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- Today, “Le Libraire de Cologne” by Catherine Ganz-Muller, published on February 20, 2020 by Éditions Scrineo.
Valérie A, contributor to the 20 Minutes Books reading group, recommends Catherine Ganz-Muller's Le Libraire de Cologne , published on February 20, 2020 by Éditions Scrineo.
His favorite quote:
“September 1936 A few months later, nothing remains of the Gestapo's passage. Hans, helped by Ingrid and Ernest, reorganized and moved some collections to fill the holes left by what they call "looting". The activity is not as sustained as in Alexander's time, but the bookstore purrs quietly thanks to the courage of certain readers who continue to frequent this Jewish trade. "
Why this book?
- Because the history of the bookstore which is mentioned in the book and which still exists in Cologne, is fascinating. Catherine Ganz-Muller tells teenagers (from 12 years old), but also older ones, how this establishment resisted the advent of Hilter and the events of the Second World War.
- Because it is a book filled with emotions, tragedies, despair, unhappiness but above all hope. The hope of saving books, knowledge, writing.
- Because it is easy to read, chronologically constructed in order to clearly show the sequence of historical facts, the rise of anti-Semitism, the life of the inhabitants of Cologne during the war, the bombings, the rationing, the betrayals, the denunciations…
- Because this story is inspired by the family story of the novelist, and more particularly of Hans Schmitt who really existed.
The essential in 2 minutes
The intrigue. In Cologne, driven into exile by anti-Jewish laws, Alexander Mendel went to France with his family. He entrusts his bookstore to his young employee, Hans Schreiber. In loyalty to his mentor and hatred of the Nazi regime, Hans fights, despite threats and bombs, to keep the bookstore alive.
Characters. Alexander Mendel, Hans Schreiber, Herr Denker, Gerda Gardner.
Places. Cologne.
The time. From December 1931 to December 1945, with an epilogue in 1999
The author. Catherine Ganz-Muller, born in 1947, is an author of books for children and adolescents. She also worked in a library in Brittany, worked as a film editor and opened a bookstore in Paris.
This book was read with passion by Valérie A.: “I am passionate about this period of history, this book held out my arms. Even though I already knew the tragic events in question, I was unaware of the existence of this bookstore and of Hans Schmitt, an ordinary man who loved books. Over all. "
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- Cologne
- Nazism
- Books
- Bookstore
- Second World War
- Literature
- Novel
- History
- Book sheet 20 Minutes