My Century

“Every year has its own voice, its own melody, and its own story to tell.”

My Century by Günter Grass is a unique literary work that chronicles the 20th century through 100 interconnected vignettes—one for each year from 1900 to 1999. Rather than following a single protagonist, the book presents a mosaic of voices, perspectives, and historical moments, blending fiction, memoir, and historical reflection.

Early 20th Century (1900-1918)

The book begins with Germany’s rapid industrialization and militarization, capturing the optimism and tensions of the early 1900s. Grass depicts everyday life alongside pivotal events like the Boxer Rebellion (1900) and the outbreak of World War I (1914). The war years are narrated through soldiers, civilians, and disillusioned observers, emphasizing the human cost of conflict.

Weimar Republic & Nazi Era (1919-1945)

The post-war years reflect Germany’s political turmoil, economic struggles, and cultural shifts. Grass explores the rise of Nazism through fragmented perspectives—ordinary citizens, artists, and dissenters. The Holocaust and WWII are portrayed indirectly, often through postwar reflections, emphasizing memory and guilt.

Postwar Division (1946-1989)

The Cold War division of Germany is a recurring theme, with Grass contrasting East and West through personal anecdotes and political satire. Reunification (1989) is framed with cautious optimism, questioning whether Germany has truly reckoned with its past.

Late 20th Century (1990-1999)

The final decade examines globalization, technological change, and lingering historical shadows. Grass critiques consumerism and historical amnesia, ending with a reflective tone on the century’s unresolved legacies.

Key Ideas

• Fragmented storytelling as a reflection of historical complexity.
• The interplay of personal and collective memory.
• Critique of nationalism and political ideologies.
• The role of art in confronting history.
• The cyclical nature of violence and progress.