Marta Hillers

Marta Hillers, born on May twenty-six, nineteen eleven, was a notable German journalist and diarist, best known for her poignant memoir, Eine Frau in Berlin (A Woman in Berlin). This powerful work, published anonymously in nineteen fifty-nine, chronicles the harrowing experiences of a German woman during the tumultuous period from April twentieth to June twenty-second, nineteen forty-five, amidst the chaos of the Battle of Berlin.

The memoir candidly addresses the issue of mass rape by occupying forces and the complex choices faced by women during this dark time, including the decision to take a Soviet officer as a protector. Upon its initial release in English in nineteen fifty-four, the book garnered attention, but its publication in Germany led to accusations against Hillers of tarnishing the reputation of German women. This backlash prompted her to refrain from publishing another edition during her lifetime.

After marrying and relocating to Switzerland, Hillers stepped away from journalism and did not produce any major works thereafter. She passed away in two thousand one, but her legacy continued with a posthumous edition of her memoir released in Germany in two thousand three, which received widespread acclaim and topped bestseller lists. The revelation of her authorship sparked controversy, as no other candidates had been suggested.

In two thousand five, new English editions were published in both the United Kingdom and the United States, along with translations in seven other languages. The impact of Hillers' work extended beyond literature, as it was adapted into a film released in two thousand eight, known in the U.S. as A Woman in Berlin. Additionally, the English translation by Philip Boehm was dramatized as a one-woman monologue by playwright Iain McClure, showcased at the New Works, New Worlds Festival in Glasgow in two thousand nine.