One of the most important postwar German authors, Uwe Johnson is significant not only for his unique literary style and linguistic creativity, but also because of the thematic issues addressed in his works. He was the first German author to treat, in fiction, the division of Germany after the war. He explores its psychological, political, and cultural manifestations in a network of characters and places unmatched in complexity and authenticity.

Understanding Uwe Johnson provides a comprehensive overview of this author's work, concentrating on his five most important novels: Ingrid...