Plot Summary

The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum

Heinrich Böll
Guide cover placeholder

The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974

Book Brief

Heinrich Böll

The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Germany • 1970s

Publication Year

1974

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum by Heinrich Böll follows the story of Katharina Blum, a young woman whose life unravels after she meets and falls in love with Ludwig Götten, a suspected criminal. Her association with him leads to a media frenzy instigated by journalist Werner Tötges, who publishes defamatory articles about her. Ultimately, Blum takes drastic action against Tötges, culminating in his murder and her subsequent confession to the police. This narrative examines the impact of media sensationalism and social prejudice. The book contains narratives of violent crime and intense personal suffering.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

17,368 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Heinrich Böll's The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum has been praised for its sharp critique of media sensationalism and societal paranoia. Reviewers commend Böll's incisive narrative and potent themes. However, some find the prose overly mechanical and the characters lacking depth. Overall, it's seen as a sobering reflection on justice and privacy in contemporary society.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum?

A reader who appreciates The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum by Heinrich Böll might also enjoy works like Franz Kafka's The Trial or George Orwell's 1984. This reader often delves into themes of societal pressure, media influence, and the individual's struggle against powerful institutions. They favor thought-provoking, character-driven narratives with strong social critiques.

3.9

17,368 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Germany • 1970s

Publication Year

1974

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!