Das fabelhafte Jahr der Anarchie

Weeks between happiness and disillusionment – the first novel about the most beautiful anarchy of our recent history – and a book about the wonderful, anxious joy that accompanies every beginning. April 1990, the GDR is dissolving. The older generation is filled with concern, while the young embrace love and freedom, enjoying the friendly state of exception. In March, the decision for reunification was made, and in July, the currency reform will come. The future, with its civil categories, feels far away in these days. Ulrike and Andreas, a young couple from Potsdam, turn their backs on the city – disappointed by the outcome of the first free elections – and move to Lower Lusatia, to the area of deserted villages and abandoned farms. They want to renovate an old farmhouse and realize their dream of a shared life, as they are in love, in great spirits, and radically optimistic. Only Ulrike's brother Arnd brings news from the reality of the disintegrating GDR, growing angrier as he talks about driving out the capitalist occupiers. Just as he is visiting, the newly opened bank branch goes up in flames.