21 December - Heinrich Böll birth anniversary

 

Heinrich Böll (note the umlaut over the "o") was a German writer and Nobel laureate in literature. He was born on 21 December 1917, in Cologne, Germany, and died on 16 July 1985, in Langenbroich near Cologne.

Heinrich Böll gained international recognition for his novels and short stories that often explored the moral and political aspects of post-World War II Germany. His works reflect a concern with the consequences of war, the challenges of rebuilding a shattered society, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals.

Some of his notable works include:

1. "The Train Was on Time" (1949)
2. "Billiards at Half-past Nine" (1959)
3. "The Clown" (1963)
4. "Group Portrait with Lady" (1971) - This novel won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972.

Heinrich Böll was known for his critical stance towards German society, and his writings often delved into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the impact of historical events on individuals. His literary contributions left a lasting impact on post-war German literature.