Lenz oder die Freiheit: Stefan-Heym-Werkausgabe - revidierte Fassung (Stefan-Heym-Werkausgabe, Romane 6)

by Stefan Heym, Helga Zimnik (Translator)

Die abenteuerliche Geschichte des Aufrührers, Dichters und Frauenhelden Andreas Lenz

Das Großherzogtum Baden im Revolutionsjahr 1849: Andreas Lenz ist ein feuriger Schwärmer und Rebell. Seine Wege kreuzen Josepha, ein lebensfrohes Mädchen aus dem Volk, und die geheimnisvolle und charakterstarke Lenore, die aus Liebe zu Lenz mit ihrem großbürgerlichen Elternhaus bricht und das gefahrvolle Leben des Freundes teilt. In farbigen, unvergesslichen Bildern rollt Stefan Heym die bewegte Geschichte des Aufstands ab, in dem das Volk um die Lösung der nationalen Frage und um die Schaffung demokratischer Verhältnisse kämpfte. Er fängt die Hoffnung und den Schmerz jener Tage ein, zeigt die Triebkräfte der Ereignisse auf, macht ein bedeutungsvolles und folgenschweres Kapitel deutscher Vergangenheit einprägsam lebendig. Stefan Heyms brillanter historischer Roman über die badische Revolution von 1848/49, auf Deutsch erstmals erschienen 1963 beim Paul List Verlag, Leipzig, endlich wieder lieferbar in der digitalen Werkausgabe.

877 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[None Ofyourbusiness Loves Israel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The revolutions of 1848 form the tumultuous backdrop of this magnificent tome, set in the fortress city of Rastatt in Baden, where Andreas Lenz, a poet and soldier, becomes deeply involved in the revolutionary fervor. Alongside him are characters such as Josepha, a striking beauty, and Lenore, the intellectual daughter of a banker, who is willing to forsake her privileged life for love. The story captures the initial hope and enthusiasm of the revolutionaries as they strive for a coup d'état, only to face the harsh realities of disunity, inexperience, and insufficient resources. As Heym writes, "The seed of revolution flowered to a triumphant coup d'état: faltering under inexperience, disunited leadership and shortage of funds; dying out miserably and pathetically in the heartbreak of unstemmed Prussian reaction".

As the revolution progresses, the characters experience the highs and lows of their struggle. Lenz, through his poetic and soldierly lens, witnesses the revolution's fleeting triumphs and its ultimate downfall. The narrative explores the personal sacrifices and the collective disillusionment that accompany the revolutionary cause. The revolutionaries' dreams are gradually crushed by the relentless advance of Prussian forces, leading to a poignant reflection on the nature of struggle and change. On the eve of this collapse, Lenz finds new courage in the thought that, "When all is said and done, what remains of the struggle? The changes it brought for better or worse -- whichever -- they melt into the great design of human development".

With notable cameos by illustrious historical figures such as Marx and Engles, The Lenz Papers offers a panoramic view of a pivotal moment in European history, blending romance with historical fact. Heym's portrayal of the revolution's rise and fall serves as a meditation on the broader currents of human development and the enduring quest for justice and freedom. The novel's rich array of characters and events underscores the complexity and tragedy of revolutionary movements. As Heym reflects, "It is the great design which extends back to Valley Forge, gathers momentum in the storming of the Bastille, alights briefly on the Grand Duchy in Gettysburg, mans the barricades of the French Commune and finds ultimate expression in the revolutions of the twentieth century".