ABSTRACT

Krechel studied in Cologne from 1966 to 1972 with intervals of work in the theatre in Dortmund (1969-70 and 1971-2), then became a freelance writer. Her reputation is based mainly on her poetry, which shows a gradual development away from ‘neue Subjektivität’ (Nach Mainz! (1977), Verwundbar wie in den besten Zeiten (1979), which reflects the disillusionment of the ’68 generation, Lesarten (1982), Rohschnitt. Gedicht in sechzig Sequenzen (1983), a journey into the interior of a female identity, Vom Feuer lernen (1985), which strikes an apocalyptic note, Kakaoblau (1989), Technik des Erwachens (1992) and Landläufiges Wunder (1995)). Her novel Zweite Natur (1981), which portrays life in a commune made up of four young people, was followed by the stories Die Freunde des Wetterleuchtens (1990) and Sizilianer des Gefühls (1993). The play Erika (1974) explores from a female perspective a failed attempt to break out of a restrictive marriage and employment, reflecting a feminist concern which receives theoretical treatment in the survey of the women’s movement Selbsterfahrung und Fremdbestimmung (1975) and is reflected in the literary essays Mit dem Körper des Vaters spielen (1992).