[The Danzig Trilogy, comprising] The Tin Drum; Cat and Mouse; Dog Years

I can't say that it's the kind of book I read without putting down. It took me four years to read it in German, it was a project from which I learned more German, to like Gunther Grass and to look at midgets or short people in a different way. For me they now stand for Oskar, the main character of the book a boy who shatters windows and glasses of his teacher, makes the Nazis dance to the wrong tune, loves nurses and much more. It's a wonderful book. I recently read a list of the 50 favorite books of Germans. This one was number 48 for them. It's close to number one for me. It's a wonderful book -whether it takes you a week or 4 years.

I have read the book in the original language (German)and I couldn't put it down until I was done.I dont know if it is just as good translated, but I love his choice of words and the pictures he is painting with them.I mainly read the book, because I am interested in the history of that time,place and the people. If that is what you are looking for, this book is a must.

If you can't check these out at a library (or can't just have these great works for just a few weeks) this trilogy is for you. Tin Drum, in my opinion, is the best of the set, expressing oppression and pain with the best of Grass's stark realism and sardonic wit.