39 pages • 1 hour read
The Artificial Silk Girl
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Book Brief
216
Novel • Fiction
Berlin, Germany • 1930s
1932
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun, an 18-year-old named Doris from the Ruhr Valley aspires to a life of stardom and luxury. Losing her job as a stenographer, she steals an ermine coat to impress a former lover and flees to Berlin, where she navigates relationships with various men. Despite brief success, Doris's pursuits result in destitution, leading her to reconsider her dreams. The book addresses themes of exploitation and homelessness.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
4,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Irmgard Keun's The Artificial Silk Girl presents a compelling portrayal of Weimar Berlin through the eyes of an ambitious yet naive young woman. Critics praise Keun’s sharp social commentary and vibrant prose. However, some find the protagonist's actions occasionally frustrating. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its authentic depiction of the era and its feminist undertones.
Who Should Read The Artificial Silk Girl?
Readers who relish novels with strong, complex female protagonists navigating 1920s Berlin will find The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun compelling. Fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and Anita Loos' Gentlemen Prefer Blondes will enjoy its sharp wit and critique of societal norms.
4,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
216
Novel • Fiction
Berlin, Germany • 1930s
1932
Adult
18+ years
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