Address Unknown

Address Unknown (1938) by American writer Kathrine Taylor details the rise of Nazi Germany through the correspondence of two men, one of whom is Jewish and one of whom is not. The short novel explores themes such as Radicalization, The Impact of Paranoia and Fascism, and The Loss of Friendship and Family.

Chapter 1 Summary: “November 12, 1932”

A Jewish German man named Max writes to his business partner, a German gentile, or individual who isn’t Jewish, named Martin. Martin has returned to Germany for the first time since World War I. Max envies Martin, as Martin is experiencing a democratic Germany with a bright future, while Max remains in San Francisco. Max misses home and does not know when he will return. He longs for Germanic culture and food but accepts that Martin should have returned to Germany; Max has acclimatized better to America, and their mutual art business is thriving. Max hints at a disagreement between Martin and Griselle, his younger sister who is becoming a famous actress in Vienna. He assures Martin that there is “no bitterness” and wishes Martin well for the future (6).