THE WORLD OUTSIDE

by Hans Fallada ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 22, 1934

An essential book, due to the phenomenal success of Little Man, What Now, but not, in itself, indicating that open sesame of the human touch which gave the other book its wide popularity. This now novel is a startlingly vivid indictment of a social system which virtually forces a man once a convict to return to that status. Beginning with the man's last days in prison, Fallada succeeds in building up breathless, unbearable suspense, a feeling on the part of the reader, that an inescapable doom is hanging over Willi Kufalt, and that it must be avoided. There is a scathing and satiric presentation of the attitude of ""honest citizens"" to their fallen follow-man. Never descending to the pettiness of moralizing, Fallada yet succeeds in impressing one with the basic fallacies in the method. There is a more serious purpose evident on the surface -- yet the story is so intensely human in its handling that no accusation of propaganda could be lodged. Less of humor -- less of emotional appeal -- more depth -- more closely integrated a structure than Little Man, What Now? But, because of its content, not so likely to achieve the enormous popularity of the other. The initial sales are sure to be large, so watch it. Publishers planning promotion and advertising.

Pub Date: Nov. 22, 1934

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1934

Categories: FICTION