Uncovering the Hidden Truth: "The Germans" and their Impact on History

The story of a German colony in Cameroon, seeking asylum in Zaragoza during the First World War, seems like a distant and unfamiliar tale to most people. However, for the writer Sergio del Molino, this revelation marked the beginning of a profound investigation that led him to discover a forgotten chapter of Spanish history. This unexpected finding, portrayed in his novel "Los alemanes" (The Germans), has sparked questions about the inheritance of guilt and the construction of identities throughout generations. The author, Thomas Schlesser, immerses us in the history of the Schuster family, whose origins trace back to German migrants who arrived in Zaragoza under turbulent circumstances. Through this family saga, Schlesser explores the complexities of guilt, memory, and the influence of the past on present lives. The novel becomes a mirror reflecting the moral dilemmas and internal tensions of the characters, confronted with a dark legacy that threatens to unearth buried secrets from decades past. One of the central themes raised in "Los alemanes" is the construction of family myths and the inevitable confrontation with historical truth. The work invites us to reflect on the importance of ancestors in shaping identity and how the shadow of the past can loom over future generations. The presence of the deceased in the plot not only serves as a catalyst for conflicts but also reveals the cracks and contradictions of a family marked by its legacy. Within this intricate family plot, Schlesser also addresses more universal questions about fiction in our lives and how we construct narratives to give meaning to our existence. The novel suggests that all families, happy or not, are based on a kind of shared lie, in which hidden truths and uncomfortable silences can undermine the foundations of apparent happiness. The author does not hesitate to open the debate on the relevance of historical memory and the moment when it is necessary to leave behind the burdens of the past to build a future based on equality and freedom. This reflection takes on special significance in a context where the rise of far-right movements in Europe poses challenges to democracy and calls into question the fundamental values of contemporary society. The novel also delves into the issue of revenge and the transformation of victims into executioners, exploring the complexities of justice and morality in a world marked by historical conflicts and intercultural tensions. Schlesser challenges the reader to reflect on the ethical implications of individual and collective actions, as well as to question the dominant narratives that shape our understanding of the past and present. At a time when collective sensitivity seems to be focusing once again on the dangers of Nazism and the Holocaust, "Los alemanes" emerges as a work that invites reflection and dialogue on the open wounds of history and their impact on current generations. Schlesser reminds us that memory is a powerful weapon, capable of illuminating the shadows of the past and shedding light on the complexities of the human condition. Through his novel, he invites us to look forward while never forgetting the lessons of the past, in an attempt to heal the wounds of the collective soul and build a more just and equitable future for all.