A Woman in Berlin

Just like every other day, the kitchen in the apartment soon fills with Russian soldiers. Anatol delivers a speech for May Day, ending with “a roguish wink” (66). Marta feels sore, and the widow gives her the remnants of a tub of Vaseline. Marta thinks about what sex has meant to her in the past, and she feels lucky that she has known it to be a joyful, loving act. Around noon, Marta defuses an incident during which Russian soldiers threaten a German couple. Marta helps translate and resolves the issue without violence. The Russians insist that Marta explain to her neighbors that if any weapons are found in their possession, the Russians will burn the building to the ground. Marta is pleased with her ability to help, even if she would rather stay out of conflicts.

On Wednesday 2 May, Marta doctors her diary, adding pages of Russian and German words to disguise it as a translation guide. The women of Berlin are prepared for the Russian men’s nightly excursions, and they begin to hide. Not all of the Russians are violent, however, and a small group brings food to the older women of the apartment building.