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”