Alles Umsonst

The big treks of German refugees after II World War fleeing the progressing Red Army to the homeland. That is the topic of “All in Vain” (the literal translation of the book’s title). THis human tragedy of great scale is illustrated with the fate of a privileged East-Prussian family. In the beginning, they still live their normal life, interrupted only by people coming from the farer east. They bring unnerving news, which just do not fit the hopes and expectations of those who had so many advantages and comforts. This type of family lived there for centuries. It is an innocent setting and at the same time Kempowski questions the claimed innocence by little visits of the outside world. It is February in 1945 and by now even the most ignorant and indoctrinated should have figured out where Hitler’s war is going. As time goes on more and more visitors on the run to the homeland are dropping in. They feed the worst fears about the firce and ruthless Russians. When there is no more room for ignoring the facts since they could hear the thunder of cannons, the family packs as well. On the trek everybody dies except the young son.
All in Vain! Including 700 years of German presence in Eastern Prussia, that started with the teutonic templar knights authorized by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century.