Trug und Schein: A Correspondence
A Critical Engagement with Everyday Life in the Second World War
[380921–1‑1]
L. on September 21, 1938
Dear Miss. [Laube]!
On Monday after our last encounter, I paged through the calendar — four weeks, so many pages. And now they are almost behind us, next Saturday already —.
Continue reading “21. September 1938”
[380912–2–1]
O., on September 12, 1938
Dear Mr. [Nordhoff]!
I wanted to write you yesterday, but my girlfriend’s visit kept me from it. I was a little annoyed by it, especially since my parents were visiting grandmother yesterday — I would have been pleasantly alone and undisturbed. Sometimes I am envious of your solitude. I had to think of you a lot yesterday, in the morning — in the afternoon. We also went for a walk, but not out in the countryside. Luise was more interested in the new fall fashions in the city. A wonderful film was playing, and we watched it. ‘Magda’ starring Zarah Leander, an actress with a very unique voice; if you have the opportunity, you must see this film. They opened the new arena at the Jahn House, I didn’t go.
Continue reading “12. September 1938”[380905–1–1]
L., on September 5, 1938
Dear Ms. [Laube]!
The echo of last Sunday long resonated with me, and there was no discord in the sound. Your question at the end of the letter said to me that you too were satisfied. Already when I was on the train, I was vexed by my own inept answer: “Yes indeed, it was very nice.” You should not have asked. I will not permit you to believe that a small annoyance could so easily put me in a bad mood. I was not chagrined at all that you paid our train supplement. You know my attitude: you are sacrificing to travel the farther distance; I earn in one day what you earn in two; a young woman must calculate differently than a young man. I awaited your letter. If it had not come on Friday, I would have begun to wonder.
Continue reading “05. September 1938”
[380825–1‑1]
L., on August 25, 1938
Dear Miss [Laube]!
I very much enjoyed your pictures. I would like to keep all of them. The photograph details are well selected, only one image has too much empty sky. The positions are invariably lively—women always understand better how to place themselves in the right light!—and if I did not know for whom you sat laughing so gracefully as a model, I would actually be jealous.
Continue reading “25. August 1938”[380809–2‑1]
O., on August 9, 1938
Dear Herr [Nordhoff]!
Accompanied by your best wishes for a new beginning, I entered my workplace again on Monday. I must say it was easy for me to begin a whole new year. At first the new surroundings had a pleasant affect on me. We girls are now by ourselves in a bright, airy room with seven large windows. There are containers in each of the windows with plants of all kinds, which we tend to ourselves. Yes, we intend to build our own small perfect idyll under the motto: “utmost cleanliness.” Our male colleagues shall be in awe as soon as they enter. It’s all good and well, the only question is whether everyone will stick to this resolution. The best part is that I have the whole room at my back; when I look up, I look right out into the garden. When autumn comes and it becomes more and more colorful outside until the trees are naked and bald, it won’t be so lonely. I have a clear view and can always see the train. You are not allowed to think that I am lazy. I have to motivate myself with something, must watch, otherwise I won’t be able to stand it. Some sit there and stare at the machine all of the time, I believe what little is left of my spirit would completely whither.
Continue reading “09. August 1938”