The narrative centers on Herschel Grynszpan, a young Polish Jew whose act of violence against a German diplomat in November 1938 triggered the horrific events of Kristallnacht, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Holocaust. While the broader implications of this incident are well-documented, the book delves into Grynszpan's tumultuous emotions and motivations, exploring the complexities of his character and the devastating consequences that followed his actions.
Set in 1920s Charleston, South Carolina, the narrative intertwines the lives of Hirsch Hess, a troubled son of immigrants, and the enchanting Ned Grimke, revealing a tragic past that haunts the present. As an old man seeks to uncover the truth behind the whispers of their story, themes of passion, beauty, and the consequences of sexual repression emerge. The prose is richly evocative, capturing the era's complexities while offering a timeless exploration of the human heart's struggles against societal constraints.
What really happened that afternoon in November 1938, when the young Polish Jew walked into the German embassy in Paris and shots rang out? The immediate consequence was concrete: Nazi Germany retaliated with the "Night of Broken Glass," recognized as the beginning of the Holocaust. Lost and overlooked in the aftermath is the arresting story of Herschel Grynszpan, the confused teenager whose murder of Ernst vom Rath was used to justify Kristallnacht. In this historical novel, award-winning writer Harlan Greene may be the first author to take the Polish Jew at his word. Historians have tried to explain away Herschel Grynszpan's claim that he was involved in a love affair with vom Rath; Greene, instead, traces the lives of the underprivileged and persecuted Herschel Grynszpan and the wealthy German diplomat Ernst vom Rath as they move inevitably towards their ill-fated affair. In spare, vivid, and compelling prose, Greene imagines their world, their relationship, and their last horrific encounter, as they tried to wrest love and meaning from a world that would itself soon disappear in a whirlwind of disaster and madness.
This biography explores the life of a groundbreaking southern writer known for his unique perspective on gay culture in the South. Through a detailed examination of his experiences and works, the author highlights the writer's influence on literature and LGBTQ representation, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced in a conservative society. The narrative delves into personal anecdotes and historical context, revealing the complexities of identity and artistry in the southern landscape.
