Literary legacy lost: Michel Bergmann died at the age of 80

Literary legacy lost: Michel Bergmann died at the age of 80

Michel Bergmann, the important writer and screenwriter, died on Sunday in Berlin at the age of 80. This was confirmed today by the Diogenes publishing house, which expressed its sadness at the loss of the versatile artist. Bergmann was a creative spirit whose roots lay in the Jewish refugee tradition and who wrote tirelessly about the experiences, difficulties and life of the Jewish community. The author's death occurred after a short, serious illness, as his family announced in a statement to the Jüdische Allgemeine.

Born in January 1945 in Riehen near Basel, Bergmann grew up in Paris and Frankfurt am Main. His childhood was shaped by the experiences of his parents, who had to endure many hardships as Jewish refugees during the Second World War. These experiences are reflected in many of his works, including the narrative non-fiction book “Mameleben”, which deals with the life of his mother and her escape from Germany.

A versatile artist

After Bergmann completed his journalism training, he soon turned to literature and settled into the world of film as an author and director. His first book, “Die Teilacher”, was published in 2010 and became the first part of a trilogy that illuminates the history of Frankfurt's Jews after the Second World War. On the screen, Bergmann caused a stir with scripts for films such as “Otto – The Disaster Film” (2000) and “Once Upon a Time in Germany” (2017). The latter film is based on one of his literary works.

Bergmann published his first crime novel, “The Rabbi and the Inspector – Thou Shalt Not Murder,” in 2021, which delighted readers with a new, exciting series. In addition, his most recent work, “Mame Life or Stolen Happiness,” was published in February 2023, which deals with his autobiographical experiences and the effects of the persecution of his family during the Nazi era.

A lasting legacy

Michel Bergmann is remembered not only for his literary works, but also for his ability to tell stories that touch the heart and make you think. His artistic legacy will undoubtedly inspire many generations to come. The Central Council of Jews, which underlines the relevance of his works for understanding Jewish history and culture, also emphasizes that Bergmann's works make a valuable contribution to the culture of remembrance.

Whether through his moving stories or his stirring scripts - Bergmann's works always have a clear message: not to let the memory of what was forget and to reflect on the present. The Jewish community in Germany and beyond will deeply mourn his loss.