Nora Krug Discusses the Themes in Her Award-Winning Memoir

MFA in Creative Writing student John Apruzzese interviewed Nora Krug, recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography for her work, *Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home*.

On a mild February morning in New York City, Krug, a German-American illustrator and author, discussed her graphic memoir, which reflects on her upbringing in post-World War II Germany. In *Belonging*, she combines images and text to delve into the enduring impact of National Socialism and the Holocaust on German society. Krug focuses on the 'Mitläufer' or 'followers,' the individuals who did not directly perpetrate war crimes but remain overlooked in historical narratives. Through this exploration, she confronts painful questions often left unasked.

Krug's journey starts in her hometown of Karlsruhe, where she investigates her family’s past through archival research and interviews. She uncovers unsettling family stories and contemplates the concepts of home and identity, striving to grasp both her community's role in a troubling history and its implications for modern Germany and beyond.

John Apruzzese [JA]: The concepts of “belonging” and “reckoning” in your memoir suggest that understanding your place in your homeland requires grappling with history.

Nora Krug [NK]: German identity is heavily influenced by our complex past, shaped by the war and its atrocities. Growing up, I felt culturally disoriented, a feeling that persists for many Germans of my generation. Although I recognized this sense of paralysis, I felt unsure how to address it as an individual.

JA: Why did you feel the time was right to share this story?

NK: Leaving Germany for 17 years intensified my awareness of my Germanness. Living abroad highlighted the connection between my individual identity and my country’s historical narrative. It prompted me to confront difficult questions about my family's past—questions I had not faced as a child or adolescent.

JA: How does your book relate to contemporary German society and the broader world?

NK: During the six years of writing, a new, extreme right-wing movement emerged in Germany, often underestimated. The educational system taught us the history of the war and the Holocaust but did not equip us to connect these lessons to present societal challenges. It's vital that modern Germany fosters discussions on its past while simultaneously committing to a more open and tolerant society to counteract extremist narratives.

JA: You discuss the importance of focusing on individuals who fall between categories of hero and perpetrator. Can you expand on this?

NK: The focus on perpetrators and heroes dominates discourse in Germany, but examining those who occupy the moral gray areas is crucial. Families of these 'followers' must confront their ancestors' decisions. This group, who voted for Hitler, is key to understanding how genocidal regimes rise.

JA: Identity features prominently in your memoir. How do national and cultural histories impact individual identities?

NK: Individual identities cannot be divorced from collective histories. The society we grow up in shapes our perspectives. Understanding our heritage allows us to reassess our place in the world critically.

JA: Can you elaborate on your approach to combining text and illustration?

NK: I began as an illustrator and couldn't imagine telling this story without images. For me, text and images have equal importance and provide varied emotional access. Through illustration, I not only seek to convey the experiences of others but also deepen my empathy toward them. This method enables me to explore how memory, especially of war, is fragmented and complex.

JA: Who are some of your influences?

NK: I draw heavily from German Expressionism, particularly artists like Otto Dix and George Grosz, who examined war's impact. I also admire the works of Alexandra Fuller and documentary filmmakers such as Werner Herzog for their ability to articulate complex emotions.

JA: Did you have concerns about how your narrative might be received?

NK: I worried that discussing the war from a German perspective could provoke anger from victims’ descendants. Balancing the portrayal of historical events to avoid misunderstanding was a central concern, though I have received positive feedback from both survivors and younger generations in Germany who were inspired to explore their histories more critically.

JA: How do you intend to convey your heritage to your children?

NK: I want my daughter, who is both German and American, to avoid the guilt paralysis I experienced. I plan to send her to a German school in the U.S. so she learns from a German context, encouraging her to ask challenging questions about the past.

JA: What have you learned through the writing process?

NK: This project has shown me that history is not stagnant; it's integral to our identity. We must continuously examine it and engage with our historical narratives to foster a deeper understanding of our responsibilities as bearers of our nations’ pasts.

Nora Krug is a renowned author and illustrator whose work has been featured in esteemed publications like *The New York Times* and *The Guardian*. Her memoir won accolades, including being listed among significant literary works of 2018. Krug is also an associate professor in the Illustration Program at Parsons School of Design.

John Apruzzese is pursuing an MFA in creative writing at The New School and serves as Translation Editor at LIT Magazine.