A text edition of the bestselling East German novel, divided into 14 short chapters to facilitate use as a language reader in German classes at the intermediate level and above. Contains questions, extensive annotation, a vocabulary list, and the text of an interview with Plenzdorf. An introduction by the editor discusses Plenzdorf's personality and career, the reception and dramatic versions of his book, the novel's structure, the relation of the book to WERTHER and CATCHER IN THE RYE, and the importance of the ``achievement principle'' as a theme in the story.