Love in Reminiscences. About Anna Mitgutsch’s Novels Abschied von Jerusalem, Zwei Leben und ein Tag and Wenn du wiederkommst

Abstract

The article is devoted to the topical triad: love-reminiscences-identity in three novels by Anna Mitgutsch. The key role of love in building up identity takes in them a special form on — due to the lack of love ties which could save one from insecurity, the heroines reconstruct it in their reminiscences. The point of departure of these deliberations is the statement of Ruth Klüger, quoted by the writer in her artistic manifesto, which—in a transformed form—conveys the contents of the mentioned loves: “The reminiscence of love overcomes the unbearableness of this love, thus creating the real love.”