In a significant cultural revival, Gabriele Tergit’s novel, The Effingers, has been translated into English, offering a vivid portrayal of Berlin’s Jewish community before the rise of the Nazis. Originally published in parts during the early 1950s, the novel reflects Tergit’s experiences as a Jewish woman in a city she once called home, before being forced into exile.
Tergit, born in Berlin and part of the thriving interwar journalistic scene, returned to her devastated city in 1948. By then, it had transformed into ruins, a stark contrast to the vibrant cultural hub she once knew. Her literary debut in 1931 marked her as a major figure in German literature. However, her life took a drastic turn when the Nazis rose to power. Tergit, targeted as an enemy, fled first to Czechoslovakia, then Palestine, and eventually settled in London, where she lived until her death in 1982.
Despite her literary prowess, The Effingers initially struggled to find an audience. A version was published in 1951, but it received little acclaim. Recent efforts have led to a critical rediscovery of Tergit’s work in Germany, positioning her as a significant author in the country’s literary landscape. The latest English translation by Sophie Duvernoy breathes new life into this important narrative.
Exploring the Effinger Family Saga
The novel spans four generations of the Effinger family, Jewish industrialists integrated into Berlin’s high society, from the 1870s to the political upheavals of the 1930s. Central to the narrative is Paul Effinger, who arrives in Berlin determined to make his fortune in industry. His ascetic nature and fascination with mass production lead him to marry into the elite Oppner-Goldschmidt family, mirroring the aspirations of his brother, Karl.
Through the Effingers, Tergit captures a golden age of assimilated Jewish life in Berlin. The story unfolds against a backdrop of rapid population growth, technological advancements, and stark social inequalities. Despite the optimism of the era, the narrative foreshadows the impending disaster brought on by economic instability and rising antisemitism.
Tergit employs a unique narrative style, utilizing short, dialogue-driven chapters to convey her story. This approach allows her to shift perspectives and maintain a varied tempo, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. Her authorial presence is felt not through overt commentary but through the selective portrayal of events and characters. This method ensures no single viewpoint dominates, highlighting the complexities of the time.
A Complex Portrait of Pre-Nazi Society
The social dynamics of pre-Nazi Berlin are vividly illustrated through meticulous descriptions of fashion, food, and social gatherings. Tergit’s characters engage in intellectual debates, reflecting the broad spectrum of ideas circulating among Berlin’s Jewish community. The novel delves into themes of Protestant morality, industrial utopianism, and various expressions of Judaism, all interwoven with women’s liberation and nationalism.
When fascism emerges in the narrative, it does so abruptly, yet it is portrayed as a continuation of existing societal tensions rather than an isolated event. Tergit’s detailed storytelling resists simplistic interpretations, presenting Nazism as a culmination of various desires and material conditions that led individuals to align with the fascist agenda.
In a letter to a publisher in 1949, Tergit articulated her vision for the novel, stating that it was “not the novel of Jewish fate, but rather a Berlin novel in which very many people are Jewish.” This assertion underscores her commitment to portraying Berlin as a city where Jewish life thrived, challenging the notion of inevitable tragedy.
Through the character of Uncle Waldemar, Tergit critiques emerging Zionist nationalism, advocating for an assimilated Jewish identity that resists ethnic nationalism. Her personal experiences resonate with the character of Lotte, who, like Tergit, traveled to Palestine in 1933. Tergit’s observations reveal her discomfort with the prevailing Zionist sentiments, which she felt were divorced from her own cultural identity.
Ultimately, The Effingers stands as a testament to Tergit’s literary legacy. It narrates a family’s tragedy while rejecting the fatalism associated with Jewish life in Germany. As the novel gains recognition, it not only reclaims Tergit’s place in literary history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity and belonging in a turbulent era.
Published by Pushkin Press, the English translation of The Effingers: A Berlin Saga is available for £20. This revival promises to engage a new generation of readers with Tergit’s profound insights into a pivotal historical moment.
