46 pages • 1 hour read
Little Man, What Now?
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s
1932
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In 1930s Germany, the bookkeeper Johannes Pinneberg and his girlfriend, Emma, learn she's pregnant and impulsively marry. They face social scorn and severe financial hardship amid the Weimar-era economic crisis. The couple moves to Berlin, where they struggle to find stability and make ends meet while navigating Johannes's unstable job and Emma's unexpected motherhood. The novel discusses antisemitism and substance misuse.
Melancholic
Gritty
Challenging
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,098 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hans Fallada's Little Man, What Now? is widely praised for its poignant depiction of pre-WWII Germany, capturing the socio-economic struggles with profound empathy. Critiques highlight its emotional depth and relatable characters. However, some readers find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is a compelling and evocative narrative, offering significant historical insights.
Who Should Read Little Man, What Now??
Little Man, What Now?? by Hans Fallada will captivate readers interested in pre-World War II German life, social realism, and human resilience. Fans of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Alfred Döblin's Berlin Alexanderplatz will appreciate Fallada's vivid portrayal of economic hardship and personal struggle.
6,098 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Emma Pinneberg
Emma Pinneberg
The supportive and resourceful wife of Johannes, raised in a left-wing, pro-labor household, who takes on the role of breadwinner during the family's financial difficulties and is devoted to her child.
Holger Jachmann
Holger Jachmann
A charming criminal connected to Johannes through his mother, who provides financial and emotional support to Johannes and Emma despite his illegal activities.
Joachim Heilbutt
Joachim Heilbutt
A confident and successful salesperson at the department store where Johannes works, who harbors a secret lifestyle and offers significant help and support to Johannes in times of need.
384
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s
1932
Adult
18+ years
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