Hans Fallada's Little Man, What Now? is widely praised for its poignant depiction of pre-WWII Germany, capturing the socio-economic struggles with profound empathy. Critiques highlight its emotional depth and relatable characters. However, some readers find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is a compelling and evocative narrative, offering significant historical insights.

Little Man, What Now?? by Hans Fallada will captivate readers interested in pre-World War II German life, social realism, and human resilience. Fans of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Alfred Döblin's Berlin Alexanderplatz will appreciate Fallada's vivid portrayal of economic hardship and personal struggle.

In 1930s Germany, the bookkeeper Johannes Pinneberg and his girlfriend, Emma, learn she's pregnant and impulsively marry. They face social scorn and severe financial hardship amid the Weimar-era economic crisis. The couple moves to Berlin, where they struggle to find stability and make ends meet while navigating Johannes's unstable job and Emma's unexpected motherhood. The novel discusses antisemitism and substance misuse.

Melancholic / Gritty / Challenging / Dark / Contemplative

- Little Man, What Now? by Hans Fallada was first published in 1932 and became an instant bestseller, reflecting on the social and economic conditions of Weimar Germany. 
- The book was adapted into a Hollywood movie in 1934, directed by Frank Borzage and starring Douglass Montgomery and Margaret Sullavan. 
- Hans Fallada's real name was Rudolf Wilhelm Adolf Ditzen; he adopted his pseudonym by combining the names of two characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

**Johannes Pinneberg**  
A young man navigating a period of great historical change, dealing with personal and professional challenges while attempting to adhere to social expectations and traditional gender roles.

**Emma Pinneberg**  
The supportive and resourceful wife of Johannes, raised in a left-wing, pro-labor household, who takes on the role of breadwinner during the family's financial difficulties and is devoted to her child.

**Holger Jachmann**  
A charming criminal connected to Johannes through his mother, who provides financial and emotional support to Johannes and Emma despite his illegal activities.

**Joachim Heilbutt**  
A confident and successful salesperson at the department store where Johannes works, who harbors a secret lifestyle and offers significant help and support to Johannes in times of need.

Hans Fallada

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Little Man, What Now? Summary and Study Guide

Background

Little Man, What Now? Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue: “The Holy Innocents”

Prologue

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Part 1: “The Small Town”

Part 1 Little Man, What Now? Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Berlin”

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Epilogue: “Life Goes On”

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Character Analysis

Little Man, What Now? Character Analysis

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Little Man, What Now?

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