Ahasver

This book I read years ago. Most likely in the nineties. It always impressed me, and I always had it in my mind. back then for sure I read it because it was written by Stefan Heym – a writer with Jewish background, served in the American army and settled in East Germany. For some reason I found the audiobook, and decided to read or better listen to it again. To my surprise Heym himself read his own book, and to another pleasure: it was at full length.
And how it always happens the second time you understand much better. The first time I was surely interested more in the subtleties regarding the East German context, this time I enjoyed it but the the philosophical context was much more interesting. What is evil: the devil? Actually the devil is much more human than everybody else. The Ahasver is just the jew you see again and again, almost a modern model, enjoys live, women, alcohol etc. The context of East Germany remains rather picturesque – but was important at the time. This time I actually wanted to skip it.
Finally, it is one of the finest books I have ever read.I think I will read it again after listening to it.