Rediscovered Novel 1932 “Abschied” Becomes a Surprise Bestseller in Germany

A Lost Literary Treasure From 1932 Finds New Life in 2025

In a rare moment of literary rediscovery, a long-forgotten novel written in 1932 by German historian and journalist Sebastian Haffner has captured the hearts of readers nearly a century later. The novel is titled Abschied (German for “Parting”). It was recently published for the first time. The book has already soared to the top of Germany’s bestseller lists. Rediscovered novel 1932.

This astonishing literary find isn’t just a nostalgic artifact. It’s a powerfully resonant story set in a world teetering on the brink of collapse.

Who Was Sebastian Haffner?

Sebastian Haffner is best known for his acclaimed memoir Defying Hitler. He is also recognized for his sharp analysis of political ideologies in 20th-century Europe. What the world didn’t know until now was that in his youth, Haffner wrote a short literary novel capturing the emotional turmoil of his time.

The handwritten manuscript of Abschied was recently discovered in his personal desk, untouched for decades.

What Is Abschied About?

Set in pre-WWII Paris, Abschied tells the poignant story of a man and woman spending their final day together. One plans to return to an increasingly volatile Germany, while the other flees toward uncertain safety. Their intimate farewell unfolds against the larger backdrop of fascism’s rise and the collapse of hope in Europe.

Despite its brevity, the novel is rich with emotional depth and literary foresight—qualities that have captivated modern readers.

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How a Rediscovered novel 1932 Became a 2025 Bestseller

Upon its publication by Rowohlt Verlag, Abschied quickly gained media attention as a literary time capsule. Readers drawn to its historical context and emotional storytelling propelled it to #1 on Der Spiegel’s hardcover fiction list.
The novel is now being translated into English, French, and Italian, with worldwide publication expected in early 2026.

What Critics Are Saying

“A whisper from the past—elegant, urgent, and deeply human.”
— Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

“This rediscovered novel reads like a warning for today.”
— Die Zeit

Why It Matters

This rediscovered novel from 1932 offers more than a historical curiosity—it gives modern readers insight into:

• The emotional weight of personal decisions during political crisis.
• The timeless relevance of literature written in dark times.
• The importance of preserving unpublished works that may shape our understanding of the past.

It also highlights the continued appetite for historical fiction with emotional and political depth.

When Will Abschied Be Available in English?

Publishers have confirmed that English and international editions are in progress, with the first translations expected by early 2026. Bookstores and online retailers are preparing for high demand.

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