A Childhood Under The Nazis
Published by Diogenes as Die Gedanken sind frei
Original Title: A la guerre comme à la guerre

Tomi Ungerer is nine years old in 1940 when German troops march into Alsace. German becomes the official language, French is banned under threat of severe punishment, and Jean-Thomas, who everyone calls Tomi, becomes Hans. Tomi Ungerer shares his experience of everyday life under Nazi occupation, of the war, of the libération — and of the utterly normal pranks, joy and experiences of a young boy growing up. Enriched with countless childhood drawings and Tomi Ungererʼs boundless humour, this is an incredibly spirited memoir.

Biographies, Art, Cartoon, Photography
144 pages
18.5 × 25 cm
1993

978-3-257-02047-2
Tomi
Ungerer

Tomi Ungerer (1931 — 2019) began his unstoppable career as an illustrator, childrenʼs book author and artist in New York. He published more than 140 books for adults and children, and created posters, sculptures and films. His hometown, Strasbourg, dedicated a museum to him even during his lifetime. His picture books, such as The Three Robbers and Moon Man, are modern classics.

Photo: © Gaëtan Bally / Keystone

Quotes

Konrad Heidkamp
Die Zeit, Hamburg

»Tomi: A Childhood Under the Nazis is a book full of question marks, a historical work filled with stories, a family album as a chronicle of everyday life.«

Thomas Bodmer
Tages-Anzeiger, Zurich

»With Tomi: A Childhood Under The Nazis, the outstanding artist Tomi Ungerer has finally proven to be a signifi cant writer.«

Le Monde, Paris

»Is this a book for adults? Is it a book for children? It’s a book from childhood for everyone!«