Notes on 'In Times of Fading Light'

Thank you to everyone who attended our August conversation about the novel In Times of Fading Light by Eugen Ruge. The book sparked a record-length discussion spanning historical events to interpretations of characters and events to consideration of style and format.

Many recommendations for further exploration of the themes and historical context of this novel arose during the discussion.

Reading:

• Buddenbrook: The Decline of a Family by Thomas Mann

• "What happened to East Germany's cinematic legacy?" (article)

• Interview with Ruge about his writing process, artistic influences, experience growing up in the GDR, and more. (Boston Review)

Viewing:

• Good Bye Lenin! (2003)

• Just Don't Think I'll Cry (Denk bloß nicht, ich heule; 1990)

• The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen; 2006; Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film)

• The Young Lions (1958)

• Talking Germany - Segment with Eugen Ruge, plus stops at a couple of museums and historical segments (YouTube; 42 minutes)

• Short chat with Ruge at the German Book Awards (YouTube; 5 min)

• Ruge on the fall of the Berlin Wall (YouTube; 4 min)

Exploration:

• The DDR Museum

• The Everyday Life in the GDR Exhibit - The page at the link has a video tour of the exhibit (with English subtitles).

September Discussion

Our September book is Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. If this book has been on your to-read list, here's your chance!

About the book:

"Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home." (more)

Discussion Details:

Sunday, September 19

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (approx) Pacific Time

By Zoom (call-in option too)

To receive the invitation to join, please submit your email below!