Heinrich Boll's first novel, published in 1949, is suffused with the deep concern for humanity and the truthfulness of emotion that would return in books throughout his life. A German soldier, Andreas, is on a train and, he is certain, on his way to death in Poland in 1943. By the time the journey is over, he has explained his life, his regrets, and his fears. A particularly poignant section has him recounting those he has wronged and praying for forgiveness. Boll is never sanctimonious, yet he is always able to find the heart of human tragedy and, even in darkness, find meaning.
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