All That I Am
All That I Am by Anna Funder, published by Penguin Canada in 2012, is a historical fiction novel that explores the lives of a group of friends and lovers who become hunted outlaws when Hitler rises to power in 1933. The narrative follows Dora, her lover Ernst Toller, and her cousin Ruth as they flee to London, where they face the challenges of continuing their work in secret while navigating the dangers of betrayal and the oppressive atmosphere of the time. This edition spans 369 pages and is presented in English.
Readers will find a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the moral complexities of resistance against tyranny. The story delves into the sacrifices made by those who oppose Nazism and the haunting impact of their choices, as Ruth reflects on her past decades later in Sydney. With themes rooted in the historical context of World War II, Funder’s narrative intricately weaves personal and political struggles, offering insight into the lives of those who dared to stand against oppression.
Official synopsis Publisher
WINNER OF THE MILES FRANKLIN LITERARY AWARD
‘A ripper.’ The Australian
‘Gripping.’ Sydney Morning Herald
‘Brilliant … A superb novel.’ The Spectator
When Hitler comes to power in 1933, a tight-knit group of friends and lovers become hunted outlaws overnight. United in their resistance to the madness and tyranny of Nazism, they flee the country. Dora, passionate and fearless; her lover, the great playwright Ernst Toller; her younger cousin Ruth and Ruth’s husband Hans find refuge in London. Here they take awe-inspiring risks in order to continue their work in secret. But England is not the safe-haven they think it is, and a single, chilling act of betrayal will tear them apart.
Some seventy years later, Ruth is living out her days in Sydney, making an uneasy peace with the ghosts of her past, and a part of history that has all but been forgotten.
____________________________________________
‘A gripping story of love and betrayal. Dora is the most attractive fictional heroine in a long time.’ New Statesman
‘ Funder’s political and moral intelligence shine even more brightly than in Stasiland; the compassionate but unsentimental truthfulness towards her characters even more moving for being interwoven into a narrative of such complexity.’ Raimond Gaita, Books of the Year, The Weekend Australian
‘A sweeping first novel that cover love and war, friendship and betrayal, and the bonds that define a life. It is a moving and ambitious work.’ Ann Patchett
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “All That I Am” about?
Who is the author of “All That I Am”?
When was “All That I Am” published?
What is the ISBN for “All That I Am”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
