Die Stadt ohne Juden: Ein Roman von übermorgen

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

35569

Title

Die Stadt ohne Juden: Ein Roman von übermorgen

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in a Vienna where Jewish people are systematically expelled, this satirical novel follows the rise of Chancellor Karl Schwertfeger and the subsequent collapse of his regime. Through the eyes of Jewish artist Leo Strakosch, the story exposes the absurdity of antisemitic logic, the economic chaos caused by forced emigration, and the inevitable downfall of a society built on hatred.

Summary up to 500 words

Hugo Bettauer's *Die Stadt ohne Juden* (The City Without Jews) presents a scathing satire on the dangers of mob mentality and racial hatred through the fictionalized history of Vienna. The narrative begins on a historic June day when Chancellor Karl Schwertfeger announces the expulsion of all Jewish citizens, claiming they are an alien force destroying Austrian culture. Driven by fear and propaganda, the populace erupts in celebration, chanting "Hinaus mit den Juden!" (Out with the Jews!). The law passes easily, yet its consequences are immediate and catastrophic. The economy collapses as Jewish-owned businesses and banks vanish, causing hyperinflation and unemployment. Housing prices skyrocket, rendering shelter unattainable for the working class, leading to widespread riots and civil unrest. The story follows Leo Strakosch, a renowned Jewish artist and Lotte Spineder's fiancé. To avoid deportation, Leo adopts the false identity of a Frenchman, Henry Dufresne, complete with a fake beard and forged documents. He lives in hiding with Lotte, navigating a city that has turned against its own citizens. Despite the regime's attempts to isolate them, the Jewish community's resilience and the sheer absurdity of the persecution become undeniable. The novel vividly depicts the economic chaos, such as the collapse of the renter protection laws, which allows landlords to raise rents to absurd levels, further destabilizing society. As the regime's economic policies fail and the population starves, the government crumbles. The law is repealed, and the expelled Jews are allowed to return. The novel concludes with the restoration of order and the public's realization of the folly of the previous administration. Through sharp satire and a fast-paced plot, Bettauer critiques the destructive nature of racism, demonstrating that a society cannot survive on hatred. The narrative serves as a powerful warning against the dehumanization of minorities and the self-destructive path of a nation built on exclusion.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Politics