Annie Ernaux’s “The Obsession” Finally in German – A Novel That Still Shocks After 25 Years
Berlin, Germany – August 22, 2025 – After a 23-year wait since its original publication in France, Annie Ernaux’s searingly honest exploration of jealousy, L’Occupation, has been released in German as Die Obsession. The arrival of this long-awaited translation is already generating buzz within literary circles, with critics praising its raw emotional power and the delicate artistry of translator Sonja Finck. This is more than just a book release; it’s a cultural moment, bringing a challenging and deeply personal work to a new audience.
A Painful Excavation of Jealousy
The Obsession isn’t a comfortable read. Ernaux doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of jealousy, detailing the obsessive thoughts and behaviors that consume the narrator after her former lover begins a relationship with someone else. It’s a visceral experience, described as “a strong text about jealousy that makes the reader suffering physically,” a testament to Ernaux’s unflinching honesty. The novel delves into the strange phenomenon of building an entire world around another person, even one you’ve barely encountered – a feeling many can relate to, even if they haven’t experienced it to this degree.
The Art of Translation: Bridging Cultural Gaps
Bringing Ernaux’s work to a German-speaking audience presented unique challenges for translator Sonja Finck. The very title posed a dilemma. While “L’Occupation” in French evokes historical connotations of occupation, “Obsession” felt more accurate to the novel’s internal landscape. Finck explains that adapting the text wasn’t just about linguistic equivalence, but about preserving the novel’s radical impact. “How must the effect have been on readers at the time? Especially when the distance is greater,” she pondered, referencing the cultural context of the book’s original publication in 2002. The translation aims to recapture the shock value the novel likely held for French readers decades ago, when societal norms were even more restrictive.
Breaking Taboos: Age, Sexuality, and Class
Ernaux is known for tackling subjects often considered taboo. While jealousy itself is a common emotion, the novel’s exploration of an older woman’s relationship with a younger man – a theme echoed in her work The Young Man – remains a sensitive topic. Finck points to the media’s treatment of figures like Emmanuel Macron and his wife as evidence of this lingering discomfort. Beyond this, Ernaux fearlessly addresses themes of class difference and sexuality, adding layers of complexity to her already compelling narrative. Her work consistently challenges societal expectations and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths.
Why Now? The Enduring Relevance of Ernaux
The timing of this German release feels particularly poignant. In an age of social media and constant surveillance, the themes of obsession and the blurring of boundaries feel more relevant than ever. Ernaux’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of unchecked emotions and the importance of self-awareness. She doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather presents a raw and honest portrayal of the human condition. As Ernaux herself states, writing is a way to “save what is no longer my reality,” to capture fleeting sensations and transform them into something enduring.
The Obsession isn’t just a novel; it’s a mirror reflecting our own vulnerabilities and desires. It’s a testament to the power of literature to confront difficult truths and to connect us through shared human experiences. For readers seeking a challenging and deeply rewarding literary experience, Die Obsession is a must-read.
Book Details
- Title: Die Obsession (The Obsession)
- Author: Annie Ernaux
- Translator: Sonja Finck
- Publisher: Suhrkamp
- ISBN: 978-3-518-22562-2
- Price: 20 €
- Pages: 66
- Genre: Roman (Novel)
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