Marlen Haushofer Critically Reviewed in New Publication

Marlen Haushofer’s five novels, her short stories and books for children, are now bringing her long overdue recognition as one of the most important Austrian writers of the post-war generation. Her most well-known novel, Die Wand [The Wall], in particular, enjoyed international acclaim and has been rediscovered not least through Julian Pölsler’s 2012 film of the same name. As a narrative experiment, the depiction of being trapped in the alps has a special resonance in today's ‘lockdown’ world. Being expelled from a precarious childhood paradise and the legacy of a National Socialist past are recurring themes, ensuring that her œuvre remains topical well into the 21st century.

Though her works have been available in English, French, Italian and Spanish translation for some years, this volume takes a critical look at her work, bringing together ten acknowledged experts on Haushofer, and making available their lectures given at the 2021 conference organised by the Ingeborg Bachmann Centre for Austrian Literature & Culture at the IMLR.

Contributors: Andrea Capovilla; Justyna Górny; Helmut Grugger; Emily Jeremiah; Thomas Kronschläger; Margaret Littler; Marlen Mairhofer; Sarah Neelsen; Caitríona Ní Dhúill; Daniela Strigl; Daniel Syrovy.

Marlen Haushofer: Texte und Kontexte is edited by Andrea Capovilla, and published by Frank & Timme, Berlin. (ISBN 978-3-7329-0785-4; 220pp; 2022)