The Post-World War II Generation in Bernhard Schlink's Novel The Granddaughter

Abstract

Bernhard Schlink's novel “The Granddaughter” (2021) is notable for its original artistic interpretation of the experience of the post-World War II generation. The work analyzes such important themes as crime, punishment, law and morality, intergenerational conflicts and historical memory, and shows the importance the author attaches to the influence of social and historical context on the individual and society. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that it examines Bernhard Schlink's latest work, The Granddaughter in depth. At the same time, the work focuses on how the author transforms historical reality and creates its original, morally charged artistic interpretation, which plays an important role in the formation of modern German identity.