Half Swimmer
(Author) Katja OskampHalf Swimmer. Noun. A German term for one who has recently learnt to swim but hasn't yet mastered the technique. Growing up in 1980s East Germany, as the daughter of an army officer and a teacher, Tanja seems set up to become a model citizen of the German Democratic Republic. Except she has other ideas. And so, it turns out, does the course of history. Half Swimmer is a collection of stories from one life, following a young girl as she attempts to forge her own identity under the social pressures of both the GDR, and the capitalism of a unified Germany.
Katja Oskamp
Katja Oskamp is a German author known for her poignant and introspective writing style. She is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir "Marek's Disease," which delves into her experience transitioning from a successful career as a classical musician to a job as a foot care nurse. Oskamp's writing is characterized by its raw honesty and attention to detail, drawing readers into her personal journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Through her work, Oskamp has made a significant contribution to the genre of autobiographical literature, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of human experience.