Exiled to paradise: The dramatic summer of the Mann family in Sanary in 1933
In the sweltering summer of 1933, the political situation in Europe reaches a crisis point – and so does that of the Mann family. After an adventurous escape in June, Thomas and Katia Mann and their six children have ended up in the dreamy harbour town of Sanary on France's Mediterranean coast. Now they all find themselves stuck, with nowhere to go.
One place, one family, three months at thirty degrees – Florian Illies tells of the grief over the loss of home and possessions, the fear of the looting by the Nazis, of melancholy, defiance and passion. And of the ordeal between Klaus and Erika and their father.
A brilliant montage of the last “family showdown” before the exile: the struggle for the father's recognition, sibling rivalries, fears for the future – all against the backdrop of the political situation.
"an impressive research effort" - Spiegel, Andreas Bernard
"A moving story of escape told in a refreshingly original tone." - FAZ Literaturbeilage, Sandra Kegel
"It is an irresistible blend of biographies, facts, speculation and contemporary history." - Kölnische Rundschau, Birgit Eckes
"Florian Illies' splendid book gives us an unforgettable insight into their inner lives." - BR Bayern 2 Die Welt am Morgen, Knut Cordsen
"In his research, [Illies] did what hardly anyone else would dare to do: he climbed over the garden fence of Thomas Mann's former villa in the south of France, sat down on the lawn – and listened to the sea." - Bild, Jörg Ortmann
"In his new book, Florian Illies once again transforms contemporary history into vivid narratives." - APA/dpa, Sybille Peine
"‘As the Sun Goes Down’ is poetic, delicate, atmospheric and often very funny. And that's despite the turbulent world events that hit the Manns hard that year." - NDR Kultur, Katja Eßbach
