Childhood

Translated from the original Kindheit, written between 1958 and 1980, and published in German in 2003, David Dollenmayer's edition makes this remarkable story available to a much-deserved wider audience. Moses Rosenkranz came from impoverished roots in the rural Bucovina and gained acclaim for his poetry only late in life. He became an intimate of poet Paul Celan, with whom he was interned in a fascist work camp during World War II. With his richly detailed recollections, a colorful parade of characters, and a remarkable eloquence, Rosenkranz recaptures a vanished moment of cultural history. The author's unvarnished portraits of love, jealousy, and passion in his large family bring a fresh resonance to his poetry.