The Wave Winner of: Preis der Leseratten des ZDF 1984

Diese Geschichte (nach wahrer Begebenheit) zeigt auf, wie schnell aus einer scheinbar harmlosen Bewegung eine Welle entsteht, die jeden mitreißt, der nicht auf ihr reitet. Das Buch ist gerade in aktueller Zeit höchst zeitgemäß, da die Gesellschaft immer radikaler und gespaltener wird.

Neither from a literary perspective nor a plot plain portray perspective is the book a success. It failed to depict how students all got wild up by the Wave movement. From my point of view, it is dull, reluctant and not convincing. Growing up from an authoritarian dictatorship, the book does fit some of the characteristics that can form an unstoppable movement that leading to disaster that lead by the mass. However, according to the real event, the feeling of "out of control" cannot be put into words, at least, not within the author's power range. As a result, I doubt for readers who never had any experience with WWII or dictatorship will be able to imagine the terror or be convinced. Didn't watch the movie, but the book is a bit letting down. I also wonder if this is a must read in High School or Middle School reading list, will it make an unfortunate counter effect, and make the kids question -- oh, that's it? That's the "scary" Wave? -- I hope not.