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The Artificial Silk Girl

Irmgard Keun,

Katharina von Ankum (Translator),

Maria Tatar (Introduction)

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May 23, 2016 Jim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction

I am sure that I will read this book again. In fact, I will probably buy a copy...hopefully some entity like Folio Society will publish this gem!

Written in the 1930s, this book could only have been published in Europe, North American social mores and sexual repression being what they were. Some of the thoughts expressed herein concern frank and open (but not specific) sexuality, particularly from the female viewpoint. Female desire and sexual fulfillment...who knew such things existed! So the b I am sure that I will read this book again. In fact, I will probably buy a copy...hopefully some entity like Folio Society will publish this gem!

Written in the 1930s, this book could only have been published in Europe, North American social mores and sexual repression being what they were. Some of the thoughts expressed herein concern frank and open (but not specific) sexuality, particularly from the female viewpoint. Female desire and sexual fulfillment...who knew such things existed! So the book was published in Germany and was very popular for a couple of years until it was banned by the Nutzies. Thereafter it was a regular feature at German street bonfires. It seems that the fascists were opposed to sex and also took issue with the protagonist's mild criticism of the state of affairs prevalent in Germany at that time.

This book is presented as the rambling monologue or memoir of a girl who has assumed the name of Doris. There is little likable about her: she is a thief, a liar, and she'll screw you for a sandwich. She uses men to get by as she pursues her dream of becoming a star. A dream that, the reader realizes, is unlikely to come to fruition. In spite of all that, it is impossible to dislike Doris. There is something a little off about her...unhinged...maybe mentally challenged. I couldn't put my finger on the reason for this exactly, but while reading it I was constantly thinking of Sylvia Plath and Louise Brooks' Lulu from Pandora's Box. She is instinctive but not overly bright, making her way through decadent and impoverished Berlin as best she can. I couldn't help but root for her, a sad and lonely underdog merely wanting to be noticed. Eventually she gets a chance at love, but you'll have to read the book to see how that turns out.

I don't know why Keun is not more widely known: every page was a delight to read, and Doris is a poet and philosopher without knowing it...hell, without even knowing what it means. I'll leave you with a favourite quote (there are Many):

So they have courses teaching you foreign languages and ballroom dancing and etiquette and cooking. But there are no classes to learn how to be by yourself in a furnished room with chipped dishes, or how to be alone in general without any words of concern or familiar sounds. (p.118) ...more

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