Penguin Modern Classics: Little Man, What Now? - Hans Fallada

"An inspired work of a great writer ... Fallada is a genius." – Beryl Bainbridge

Hans Fallada’s Little Man, What Now? is a tender yet searing exploration of ordinary lives on the brink of extraordinary upheaval. Set in 1930s Berlin, the novel follows a young couple navigating the turbulence of Weimar Germany with humor, resilience, and love, as the world around them descends into chaos.

The Story of Lämmchen and ‘Boy’
Lämmchen and her husband, affectionately nicknamed ‘Boy,’ begin their life together much like countless others—falling in love, marrying, and starting a family. But their path is riddled with challenges:

Economic Struggles: Unpaid bills and relentless bosses.
Family Conflicts: A domineering mother-in-law adds to their woes.
Political Tensions: The rising threat of Nazi streetfighters looms large in their daily lives.
Despite these obstacles, their love and humor shine through in a tale that is both touching and tragic, capturing the fragility of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of catastrophe.

Themes and Insights
The Fragility of Ordinary Lives: Fallada masterfully portrays how political and economic forces impact the lives of everyday people.
Love and Resilience: Lämmchen and Boy’s relationship underscores the strength and vulnerability of human connections.
Historical Insight: Written just before Hitler’s rise to power, the novel offers a haunting glimpse into a society on the brink of transformation.

Why Read This Edition?
Brilliant New Translation: Michael Hofmann’s nuanced translation breathes fresh life into Fallada’s prose, capturing the humor, despair, and beauty of the original.
A Timeless Classic: A story that resonates with modern readers, reflecting the universal struggles of love and survival during times of upheaval.

About Hans Fallada
Hans Fallada (1893–1947), born Rudolf Ditzen, is one of Germany’s most acclaimed novelists. Known for his empathetic portrayals of ordinary people, his works include Alone in Berlin and The Drinker. Fallada’s ability to blend humor and tragedy has made his novels enduringly relevant.