Opis
Rang served as a Protestant pastor near Poznań, located in what was then Prussian territory in modern-day Poland. The mission of his church was to 'Germanise' the local populace, a goal that, according to Weber, reflects an unsettling connection to the violent ideologies later propagated by the Third Reich. Despite her efforts, Weber finds it difficult to form a clear picture of her ancestor. After leaving the church, Rang engaged with several prominent intellectuals of the early twentieth century, such as Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Martin Buber, and Walter Benjamin, with whom he shared the vision of promoting world peace. In a stark contrast, Rang's son, Weber's grandfather, became associated with the Nazi regime. Weber intricately weaves the story of her grandfather, whom she never met due to his rejection of his illegitimate daughter, together with the story of his father. This narrative results in a profound exploration through her family's past, seeking to understand her forebears. Enriching her inquiry with references to literary and philosophical figures like Sontag, Sebald, and Nietzsche, Weber—one of Germany’s eminent modern authors—melds her personal family history with an expansive inquiry into broader themes of ethics and morality. Her narrative culminates in a poignant depiction of All Saints Day in Warsaw.